Happy Independence Day!

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. We put aside our differences and celebrate our country which belongs to all of us.

For the past few years, my husband and I have divided the Fourth of July festivities. He typically takes the big boys to the afternoon parade while I relax at home with sleeping babies. In turn, I take the big boys to the fireworks while he relaxes at home with sleeping babies. Everyone is happy! Little boys don't know they've missed out on anything. Big boys get to do everything. We each get a little downtime and funtime with the boys.

This year, Summer10 and Spring7 were walking in the parade with their Cub Scout pack along with their Daddy Den leader. I was more than happy not to be involved with that.

Saturday night the big boys and I headed out to the fireworks. Winter3 loves fireworks too but he's terrified of the noise and is more of a "watch them on TV" kind of guy. (For the record, all loud noises scare him. During thunderstorms, his whole body quivers like a frightened pup.) We went to a new location this year recommended by some friends. We found a great patch of grass, laid out our blanket and...waited. I love the fireworks but every year I think the waiting will kill me. Waiting with Summer10 and Spring7 involves lots of wiggling, jiggling and poking of brothers. (It's a big blanket but at some point your brother might touch you with his toe. You'll live.) This year, Summer10 even sang a song about waiting. Oh yes, it's that fun.

When it was time for the fireworks I indicated the general direction we should be looking. BAM! We all laughed because when the fireworks started we realized that they were RIGHT THERE. Front row seats! Now, a street light was RIGHT THERE too but seriously, if that's the worst thing in my life, I'm doing okay.

Fireworks are loud, of course, and Spring7 held his ears the whole time. When he needed to take a drink or or move around, I held his ears. (I'm such a good mom, don't ya know!) By covering his ears, he missed not only on the booms! but his brother's incessant talking. Summer10 felt the need to narrate the fireworks. A sample: "Maybe this is the grand finale. No, maybe this is the grand finale. Wouldn't it be cool if that firework did [blank] instead of [blank]? That's my favorite. No, that's my favorite." I'd rub his back and say, "Hey, buddy, let's just enjoy them." Fifteen seconds of silence later..."Sometimes the bright ones are big ones and sometimes they aren't." Sigh.

During the grand finale (when we finally got to it!), all I could do was appreciate the moment and enjoy those boys for all that they are...Spring7 holding his ears and Summer10 humming the 1812 Overture. He missed all the cannons but who am I to complain?