Fourth of July

I was bound and determined to make this the most apple pie, American Fourth of July for the kids.  Part of my quest, was to get them to see their first fireworks.

On July 3rd, we went down to Coney Island.  They were having their annual Hot Air Balloon Glow, with fireworks at 10pm.  I had no idea how the kids would react.  So, like every paranoid parent, I decided we'd try the old trick of leaving the house at 9:45pm and arrive right at the perfect time to watch the fireworks and leave. We pulled into a packed parking lot.  Pulled the kids out of the car, and.... they LOVED the fireworks.We were far enough away so the "boom" was just a "thud."  It was so cool, to see how their faces were in awe of the "flashing colors" in the sky.  We had seen a Blue's Clues episode about fireworks.  Two of the clues were "up, up, up" and  "flashing colors."  The kids kept referring to the fireworks as "flashing colors" or "glitter in the sky."  After about a half hour, we took of, as we knew we had a big day on the 4th.

July 4th, started with our local parade. It was HOT, so hot I was concerned CC would melt. A friend told me were they sat, so we went over near them.  My idea was to just be near them, Connor and Calista had other ideas.  The kids moved right on in, like they owned the area.  Funny stuff.  Luckily, our friends helped the kids snag a lot of candy, some water and a little ice cream.  Connor was loving all the floats, CC enjoyed the dancing girls and baton twirlers... I loved the Shiners and their little cars. 

Happy Birthday America!

CC and Katie

Waving to all the parade people

Shiners in their little cars

 After the parade, we had a small grill out.  (Yes, a grill out, not barbeque, not cook out... This makes me wonder, how regional that phrase is. Do you grill out, cook out, or Barbeque? Oh the questions that surround throwing meat on a rack over a fire... Honestly, it should probably be called Caveman cookin'. But, then this raises the charcoal, versus propane, verus infrared cooking, etc. These are the questions for another topic.... ANYWAY....) 

Connor helped me make this YUMMY dessert, inspired by something we saw on All Recipes - not Pinterest, I know I was shocked too! The "icing" was the best part... 1 tub of thawed Cool Whip (ok, who said it like Stewie in their head?!), a bit of vanilla extract and mix in a cup of milk and a package of vanilla instant pudding.  Holy Moses, it was heavenly!

And THAT was how we celebrated the Fourth of July.

But, wait, there's MORE!

The celebration did not end there!!!!! The following Saturday, we went to  Uncle Dan's. His street has an awesome gathering complete with fireworks.  So, we had a nice old fashioned block party, with more fireworks.

The kids hung out in their swimming pool, the one we keep "accidentally" leaving at Uncle Dan's.  Here are a few action photos of Connor doing "cantaloupes" while CC changed her battle cry from "Cantaloupe" to "PENGUIN!"  One day, I may explain they are really looking for the word, "Cannonball."

"Penguin!"

Connor helping cool Calista off....

"Cantaloupe!"

Pure joy

After playing in the water, the sun began to set. And we had fireworks.  This time we were a LOT closer to the main event.  I think the pictures will explain how the kids reacted to this show...

CC enjoyed it from the safety of Nana's lap

CC enjoyed the fireworks with her Nana and Aunt Angela nearby.  This cracked me up because those two ladies were the ones who used to take ME to fireworks. 

Connor LOVED the Fireworks

Connor clapped and hollered (yes, I typed hollered- not yelled or cheered, it was a true holler) after each firework, he could NOT get enough of them!

Beacon Street fireworks

The Gang

Really we all had a lovely Fourth of July celebration, that extended to the 8th of July.  Family, friends, fireworks and food are the perfect recipe for making wonderful lasting memories.