Celebrating the 4th in My Home Town

Well, here in amazing Boulder City, we never celebrate the 4th on a Sunday except this year, they are doing the fireworks tonight.

However, everything else associated with the 4th happens yesterday. There is an annual parade that constantly has over one hundred entries every year. This year was no different but what was different is the fact they separated the water versus no-water portion of the parade. What that means is there is a section where chaos reigns and there is a section for the more dignified of the group. It seems that every year we had complaints about people getting wet who didn't want to and considering that at 10 am this place has been known to get a sweltering 100+ degrees, I don't know what their problem is as here wet clothes can be a lifesaver.

My DH and youngest went about twenty minutes before me because I had some last minute writing to do and once it was done, I was off and out of here. I arrived at the best part. It didn't take me long to find the DH as he's stood on the same corner almost every year for the last twenty. And I should have known. LOL! They were next to the people with the water cannons. So I walk over and he promptly tells me he can't get wet because he has his new work phone in his pocket. I quickly reminded him that he was standing in the wet zone, which he knew. The youngest also had something in his pocket, which he didn't get wet. I just laughed because if that were the case, they picked the worse corner ever.

Boy, was I ever right! LOL! The cart designating the two sections of the parade went by and chaos ensued as the water started to rain down on us from every direction. I can remember the fun we had as kids at the park with silly string and confetti eggs. All our friends gathered from school and we had a great time. Even today, all high school reunions are centered around the 4th. Each class will stake their claim in the park and have some sort of entry into the parade. All in all, it’s a great family time.

Tonight we have a bunch of firsts. My twin grandsons will be attending their first fireworks show. I’m hoping the noise won’t scare them too much. I know they will be interested in the actual show, as they always love to see what’s above them. It was discovered today that Joseph is teething so that might give us a little headache. Still, I can’t wait to see what fun we’ll have. The other first is for our puppy. We’ve only had him since September and while he has had a 4th before it wasn’t with us and he’s freaked about the firework noise. We might just take him with us so he won’t be so scared. We’re not sure yet.

One of the best 4th of July’s I’ve ever attended was in Scotland. Yes, Scotland, as we did our own special celebration. Our oldest called us during the fireworks and we celebrated with him. But we did the annual barbeque and sat on the porch at the farm looking out over the fields. It was a wonderful day especially when Henry came a shot off a few fireworks just for us. It was grand!

I also can’t forget what this day means. Two hundred and thirty four years ago, special men signed a piece of paper, which decreed we were free from the bonds placed upon by the king. We were free to make our own decision, free to live our lives as we deem fit. As we all know, freedom isn’t free and the cost is high. I send my heartfelt thanks to each and everyone insuring I get to participate in all the fun of the day. Know I am thinking about you all as I look up to see the red, white and blue of the flag and the fireworks.

I am hoping your 4th is as wonderful as ours has been so far. What do you all do special for the 4th?

See you all tomorrow!

Lynn