A Traditional 4th

Some people like to travel for the 4th. Boston and Philadelphia make good choices. Many people head for the campgrounds. Most campsites fill up weeks before the 4th. I prefer the tradition of a simple cookout, the local parade, and some fireworks.

This year we watched the local parade on the ridge and attended the Church picnic. The parade was small. We were supposed to meet some friends, but they were 10 minutes late and missed it. There was a fire truck which rang the bell as it passed. There was also hundred or so kids on bicycles riding behind the fire truck. Many of the kids decorated their bikes with red, white, and blue streamers. It made it a lot of fun to watch.

After the parade, we walked up to where there was a train ride setup. My dad and I hopped on while my Mom waited in the shade. It was fun, but it smelled of exhaust. Not that it was enough to ruin my appetite. We grabbed hot dogs and pizza! For desert we even got a snow cone. This was my first snow cone and it was great. Until, I dropped it into the grass then my Mom made me throw it away. I would have been fine just removing the blades of grass, but my Mom said, "No".

After the picnic, we had the cookout. My Dad pulled out the smallest grill I've ever seen. He made a neat pile of charcoals and poured liberal amounts of liter fluid on them. I began to get nervous when he lit the match and tossed it on top of the bricks. They kept telling me to stay back. There was no chance I was going anywhere near that grill. In the end, my Dad got the fire under control. He cooked turkey burgers, a chicken and vegetable kabob, and some marinated mushrooms. He also boiled up some white corn and cut up some fresh Rainer Cherries. It was all so good.

We clowned and around and had a great time. Just as I was getting ready for some fireworks though, my parents told me it was time for bed. I was not happy. I did my best to create lucid argument for why I should be allowed to stay up past my bedtime to watch the fireworks, but they were unmoved.

Instead of fireworks, my parents decided to watch the movie Death Proof. How many times have they seen that movie? Regardless, I got to see my fireworks. I pretended to be asleep until I could hear the first few firecrackers going off. I then pulled back the curtains to watch the neighborhood burst into red and green flashes lighting the night sky. I clapped softly to myself so I wouldn't be noticed by my parents who were still watching that dull movie.

The fireworks went late into the night and I'm still recovering this morning. I have to say I was a little cranky toward my parents. I suspect they know I might have been up. It doesn't matter. I had a great holiday. It was great to stay local for holiday. I recommend it to all toddlers. Don't feel like you need to travel to have a good time. Make the most with where you are. Make your own fun!

Bye, Bye. See you soon!

Amelie