Two for Tuesday: What I love about the 4th

of July that is!

Every year when we talk about our plans for the fourth of July, my Dad and I always have the same answer. We like to go to a town nearby. They have a parade, and a craft fair, and carnival food, and a really good fireworks display. So yesterday, none of us had to work (shock!) so we went over pretty early in the afternoon and made a day of it. It was so much fun that I had to share what I love the most.

1. Fireworks. I love them. I forgot my camera this year, so I don't have any pictures. But fireworks are amazing! The skill and science that goes into creating them and putting the show together and coordinating it with the music - it blows my mind! They're beautiful, intense, and entertaining!

2. The sense of  community. My Dad and I love going to this town because it's just that - a community! And everyone who comes on July 4th is a part of that. They've got the softball teams and the gymnastic groups and old tractors and the Civil War reenactors and the bands from the high school marching band to the seniors brass band sitting in the back of a wagon - all in the parade. It's so cute and fun and interesting. And when it gets dark and everyone gathers around the lake and there are people everywhere you look and you chat with the family behind you and share glow sticks and hold your breath as those first "test" rockets go off. Then the music starts and the show starts and everyone is united in such a unique way. They always play the same (or very similar) set of songs during the firework show and I love it, but this year there was a problem with the sound system. In the middle of the first chorus of "God Bless the USA" the sound cut out and there was a universal "HEY!" of frustration from the crowd. After a few seconds it came back on, but during the second chorus it cut out again. But that time, everyone just kept singing. It was a really special moment to have hundreds of people singing through the song.

I am proud to be an American and I am glad to live in this country! So here's a little music to continue the 4th for you :D



Next weekend our town does their fireworks display. I like that they spread it out so I can go to more than one!