Fireworks!

I have vivid memories from when I was a little girl, and we would all head over to DVC to watch the big fireworks show. When it was dusk, we would start gathering all our supplies- blankets, pillows, sweatshirts, treats- and begin the walk over. It was so crowded with people, and you could feel the excitement as the sky got darker and the show began. I loved laying back on the big blanket, next to my family, watching the colors boom across the sky. Then afterwards, a little dazed from the noise and lights, we would walk back and relive our favorite parts of the show and laugh together, enjoying the special night.

Pat enjoyed an entirely different kind of fireworks. Every 4th of July his family and friends would buy their own fireworks to enjoy at home. The fireworks had all kinds of names like "snakes," and "sparklers," and "Piccolo Pete's." The kids would get to hold the sparklers and watch their glow. As the kids got older, they had all sorts of fun, and survived the dangers, of playing with fireworks.

Daddy got to relive some of his youth because Brian bought lots of (illegal) fireworks for us to enjoy. We went over to the Nelson's house for a BBQ in the afternoon, and as the sun went down, Brian lined up little chairs in the driveway and got ready to put on his "show." The kids all got to do their own sparklers and watch the "snakes." Then when the "big" fireworks came out, the kids (and me) sat in the back of Brian's SUV (with the windows closed) and enjoyed the "booms" and bright lights. I can tell you, the conversation in the back of that car was priceless! From, "Look at my dad! He's the best with fireworks" to "This is the best night of my life" the awe and wonder of those sparkly lights and loud booms amazed us all. What a great night!