Our Fourth Was Missing Our “Fourth”

In all the years that Sam and I have been together, our city has always done fireworks on July 4th. Sam knew that she’d have the 4th off, so neither of us had to take any time off of work. Well, for whatever the reason, our city moved the fireworks to the 3rd of July this year. That meant I worked the night before and Sam had to work that night. So it was just the kids and me watching the fireworks this year.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure that I would be able to stay awake for them. I got home around 9am and slept for a couple hours before Sam came in to sleep before she had to head to work. The kids were excited for the fireworks, and believe it or not, we all stayed awake for the show.

Normally we have family over to watch them with us. I just wasn’t sure I’d be able to stay awake, so I didn’t have anyone here. It was nice to watch with just the kids, but I was missing having Sam here. We’ve always loved being together on the fourth. It was just a bit too quiet, if that makes any sense.

I love that we can see the show from our back yard. It was a very good show this year. Ella loved when the firework exploded and looked like a rose or a star. I think the show may have been a little shorter this year, but it was spectacular.

My neighbor had some friends over to watch the show and he had a blue tooth speaker outside playing a “Fourth of July” playlist. I’m not sure why but the songs that were playing while the fireworks went off really moved me. Some of those songs move me anyway, like God Bless the USA. There was something about hearing that song and watching the show that really got me in the “feels.” For that reason alone, I’m glad it was just the kids and me. No one really saw the tears welling up.

Sadly, because Sam had to work, our annual Fourth of July Family Selfie didn’t get taken. We may have to stage a post fourth picture before I head back to work. I was however able to grab photos of the kids with the flag. I’ve done it every year and it’s neat to see how different they look in each photo.

The biggest picture is the newest. If you start at the bottom left and go right and up, you will see her aging. I hope they will always let me do this.

Andrew and Ella are pretty much the same weight and height now! The jump in size from just last year is incredible.

I hope you and yours has a great fourth!