July 4th, Again and Again

We celebrated the 4th three times this year: it seems to be an entrenched tradition with our family now. 

Celebration #1 - A picnic and fireworks on the university green, with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performing good, old-time American music. This year the thermometer hit 108* before night fell and cooler temps returned, down to something like 90* by 11:00 pm. 

There was a mister available for those who needed cooling; it was very refreshing. 

This was a good time to learn how to show respect for our national anthem.

And as the concert began, Luke and Patrick loved our front row seats, because they had easy access to the wide grassy buffer between the audience and the stage. 

The two of them kicked up some fun and put on a show for the audience as they performed a few ad lib dances to the music.

Celebration #2 - A picnic and fireworks at a mega church nearby. Sitting on the grass (or parking lot, your preference) as the hot afternoon turns to evening, listening to the concert piped outdoors.

A brief rain shower soon after we arrived didn't dampen our fun. We just put up the "brolly" and snuggled together!

Patrick and Luke wore very special hats for the occasion - and so did Jared.

Celebration #3 - A picnic and fireworks on the highway in Roswell, the next town over. We stake out our favorite berm in front of Burger King every year. There are a few trees and lots of grass, so it's a comfortable place to play and wait.

It rained as we waited this afternoon too, but we had the car just a few feet away, so we snuggled in the back hatch. 

David even joined us this evening. 

Sometimes it's hard to be patient for the fireworks to begin...

So a boy just might have to lie down and accidentally fall asleep. 

For our picnics we all contributed elements each night and our food seemed to feature fresh-picked tomatoes and cucumbers. We had other yummies too and they varied from shrimp and wraps, to burgers and watermelon, to guacamole and potato salad.

 

There were a few patriotic goodies thrown in too.

Those fireworks sure are pretty! And loud!