lambscapearchitect: a 4th to remember

Oh man, we had a great 4th of July weekend. The weather was beautiful, the activities were plentiful, and the fireworks were bangin'.

I am a total nerd for all things patriotic. I love the 4th and I was excited to be able to share the festivities for the first time with Eloise. She was incredulous that, at the ripe old age of 5, she had not yet seen fireworks We promised that this would be the year and we were sure to make it happen. We decided to go up to Wilmette for the fireworks this year. They have an amazing daylong event preceding the fireworks that includes all kinds of family fun--pony rides, games, bounce houses, a playground, an orchestra concert, a rock concert and dance show, and all the glow sticks you can imagine. This was all before the big firework spectacle had even started.

By the time we settled on our blankets in our prime viewing spot Eloise was positively buzzing with excitement. The show finally started and, I have to say, it was spectacular! Mike and I were laughing so hard the whole time because between every firework, Eloise would yell something out. She made a running commentary for the entire 30 minute show.

"**Oh my gosh! That was beautiful!**That one was my favorite!**Thank you so much for bringing me!**I will call that one 'Drippy'**This show will never end!**Mom, is that your favorite one?**I will call that one 'Popcorn'!**I hope this is not the finale!**I am so excited! **Watch out for that airplane!** This is so awesome!**Dad, did you see that one?**I will never forget this!**

We rounded out the weekend with a bike parade and party that took place in our friend's neighborhood. I think it was actually the exact point on a map that would be called 'Small Town/Big Heart America'. It was great fun and the kids loved decorating their bikes and parading through the streets. We all ended up back at our place for a picnic, running though the sprinkler, and popsicles.

Next year, I won't change a thing.