Traditions | July 4th

We don’t have many family traditions, but when we moved into our little neighborhood about 10 years ago, there was an annual celebration on our doorstep. Little flags were placed in every yard, a grand bicycle parade began as soon as the ribbons were awarded and the fire trucks showed up.

Since that first year, we’ve spent our 4th of July poolside until early evening.

About 10am, the neighborhood pool opens and the festivities begin- relay races, belly flop and big splash contests, watermelon bobbing, goldfish scrambles. Grilled corn and burgers, cotton candy and watermelon slices, loads of friends and sunshine make for a wonderful Fourth of July.

I have to admit that the first year all three of my kids came in last in their age groups in the races. I vowed that the next year, they would be up for the challenge. I may have threatened them a little- maybe something along the lines of, “If you don’t place in the top three, don’t come home…” But I wouldn’t do that, would I?

(We did enroll them in competitive swimming and all three swept the contests the following year.)

Jack is a little obsessed with fireworks and saves his pennies to buy his own little stockpile to set off that evening.

Hope you and yours have a wonderful Independence Day celebration.

Do you have any family traditions?