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Friday Family History: 4th of July Memories

I love the festivities of the 4th of July.  As a girl, I would cautiously hold a sparkler and watch it twinkle, then settle in on a blanket on our front yard and wait for the professional display at the nearby park to begin.  I felt so lucky to have such a view from my own home.  
"Wow!  I can't believe Mom is letting me hold a burning stick!"


 
As an adult, I've tried to provide my kids with their own 4th of July memories.  John's 4th of July traditions included caramel corn and more do-at-home fireworks, so we incorporate those in our celebrations when possible.  (We're strictly safe-and-sane and only-if-allowed-in-our-neighborhood-people).  Occasionally we have gone to see professional displays, although now as guide dog puppy raisers, we tend to stay home and try to keep things quiet.  We also make sure the flag is flying.

Here are some glimpses into past Fourths:







How do you celebrate Independence Day?

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Thanks for summer celebrations, and what they represent.

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Comments

  1. Sparklers and black snakes were the only fireworks that I was allowed to have as a child. How I loved sparklers - twisting and turning and writing my name with the glowing stick.

    Now, my celebrations are even more subdued (if that's possible), but my flag still flies proudly on the front porch.

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  2. For the last many years my dad has had a big 4th of July party. Almost like a family reunion, with aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, siblings, and even ex-wives coming to town for it. We have so much fun each year. Unfortunately, we can't make it this year. My dad is quite bummed about it, seeing as it is, by far, his favorite day of the year. I'm quite bummed myself.

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  3. Great photos and what fun! We always have a BBQ and then fireworks....right in our own backyard! Have a great holiday Kristi!

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  4. Love all the pictures and memories -- I'm pretty sure my daughter had that same "School House Rocks" t-shirt at about the same age!

    The city we live in now allows for 3 days of fireworks and they are everywhere! You just have to step outside your door and watch. It is kind of cool as long as you don't need to actually drive down any of the side streets!

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