We had a great 4th of July celebration this year! We went up to Washington to buy fireworks because anything other than fountains are illegal in Oregon, and those just aren't a ton of fun! Two of our neighboring houses also got illegal fireworks, so we had quite the show! Michelle and Jason came over around 3 and we hung out and talked and played games until about 5:30 when Matthew fired up the grill. We ate and then got started with the fireworks. We had enough fireworks between all the houses to light them continually for about 5 hours. It was crazy!! The kids ran around between houses, and our neighbors mom had bought all the kids these cute hats, necklaces and noisemakers. The kids loved them:
Me and the kids:
Killian was old enough this year to be our firework lighter for all the legal fireworks and the smaller illegal ones. We didn't want him setting of mortars or anything, but he could handle most everything else. He really enjoyed being able to take charge of lighting stuff, and he was very responsible with the lighter and making sure that everyone was out of the way before he lit anything. Here he is doing a Roman candle:
We did have a few unwelcome guests...the police ended up stopping by 3 times!! We all kinda expected it with 3 houses setting off huge fireworks hour after hour.....it was the best show in the neighborhood (we had cars of people coming and parking at the end of the street to watch)! They were really nice, and didn't ticket any of us, although after the 3rd call I bet they would have liked too. There is some talk among the neighbors of getting a permit next year, so that we could legally do the big fireworks and not have to worry about getting caught.
We all had a really fun night though - lots of drinking and merriment, lots of laughs and smiles, and just an all around great time. I am so thankful for the neighbors we have, who are also becoming really good friends. I am thankful for our amazing family, who are always there for us and whom we enjoy spending time with. I am thankful for all that the 4th of July represents, and we are already looking forward to a bigger, better and louder party next year! Happy 4th of July everyone!!
Me and the kids:
Killian was old enough this year to be our firework lighter for all the legal fireworks and the smaller illegal ones. We didn't want him setting of mortars or anything, but he could handle most everything else. He really enjoyed being able to take charge of lighting stuff, and he was very responsible with the lighter and making sure that everyone was out of the way before he lit anything. Here he is doing a Roman candle:
We did have a few unwelcome guests...the police ended up stopping by 3 times!! We all kinda expected it with 3 houses setting off huge fireworks hour after hour.....it was the best show in the neighborhood (we had cars of people coming and parking at the end of the street to watch)! They were really nice, and didn't ticket any of us, although after the 3rd call I bet they would have liked too. There is some talk among the neighbors of getting a permit next year, so that we could legally do the big fireworks and not have to worry about getting caught.
We all had a really fun night though - lots of drinking and merriment, lots of laughs and smiles, and just an all around great time. I am so thankful for the neighbors we have, who are also becoming really good friends. I am thankful for our amazing family, who are always there for us and whom we enjoy spending time with. I am thankful for all that the 4th of July represents, and we are already looking forward to a bigger, better and louder party next year! Happy 4th of July everyone!!
