The past few years, we've been lucky enough to see family for the 4th of July holiday. This year, we went to my parent's home. They live outside the city limits and so some of their neighbors go all out buying fireworks. It was like we had our own private show all around us.
My daughter pulled out her little point-and-shoot 35mm camera and tried to capture all the fireworks. They won't come out. But I thought it was adorable that she would try to capture the light show in the sky. After all the fireworks ended, we looked up at the stars trying to remember all the constellations - you can see so many when you don't live in the city.
In previous years, we've gone to see our husband's family. My son still talks about driving his uncle's boat, fishing and watching fireworks on the lake. Last year, his uncle threw a big party at his house and bought a ton of fireworks. The kids loved watching the adults set them off. They wanted to go back this year, too, but airline costs make that trip a luxury now.
Next year, we may need to stay at home to stay within our budget. The kids did enjoy seeing the fireworks near our home a few years ago, but we'll miss being around so much family. Then again, it's time we start building some memories here.
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
Years ago, my sister and I
Years ago, my sister and I convinced the rest of our family, one by one, to move out here from the East coast. We are fortunate to be able to spend, not only every holiday together, but almost every weekend. I can't imagine having babies and young children without family around. We all Bar-B-Qued (thanks!), swam and then took the kids to see fireworks. I love seeing my boys sitting there on the blanket surrounded by their cousins, sharing the popcorn and enjoying yet another memory together.
"Only a life lived for others, is the life worthwhile" - Albert Einstein
We were happy when my
We were happy when my daughter got over her terror of fireworks a few years ago when we went to Disneyland. We didn't have any particular family tradition for the 4th, other than refusing to pay to see fireworks. So we've climbed on rooftops, sat on top of the car, hauled lawn chairs to the lake, whatever worked wherever we happened to be. This year we watched various shows across the valley from the 101 and finally pulled off the freeway and stopped to view a grand finale from atop a parking garage. The kids loved it, although they were pretty beat after having a rollicking time with their cousins at a family BBQ in Chandler.
Susan is mom to Alexander, Isabel, David and stepmom to Eric. Make sure your email address is current, we'll be giving out great prizes DAILY in September after our site makeover! Don't miss out!