This year’s Independence Day did not disappoint! We celebrated our nation’s birthday with great friends and neighbors. We enjoyed great food, fantastic conversation, lots of laughter, and awesome fireworks. Between the fireworks from our crew and all the ones that go off in the areas surrounding us, it’s just amazing. Fireworks every way you turn. For the first time ever, all the kids made it through the entire evening and they thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m sure they will be tired kids tomorrow, but what fun for them today! I truly love our July 4th celebrations with our great friends. It just gets better every year! Now, on to pictures starting with “The Crew!”
The kids were very excited to wear the traditional Old Navy $5 flag t-shirts. Laura even said, “Mommy, I have to wear my flag shirt. It’s the Fourth of July! I can’t wear a regular shirt. That wouldn’t be right.” That’s my girl!
It has been ridiculously hot here, so we all hung out inside until 8 pm or so. We finally ventured out to a setting sun and got to watch a beautiful sunset while Andy and the men prepared the yard and street for the impending fireworks display. And yes, these *are* specially built launch pads for our hilly street…..
Did I mention that we have great friends? Love my ladies, Crystal and Rachel!
Laura just loves this holiday. She can’t wait for the fireworks. Her favorites include chasing the parachutes and the Sky Lanterns.
John spent most of the evening covering his ears from the loud booms, but he wasn’t about to go inside! He even said, “NO! NO! I just cover my ears.” 
The fireworks went off everywhere, from fountains…
…to Sky Lanterns…
…to mortars. It’s always quite a sight! People a couple of blocks over from our house set off mortars all night long. They were beautiful and we *loved* watching them all!
As always, the night must come to an end, but what a great Independence Day celebration. Thanks to all our great friends for being there with us! We had a great time!