Independence Day

I was texting with my friend Lorelei about how fast life can change. Last year, she was house hunting, and we were living with Bruce's parents. This year, we are all happy homeowners.

In 2012, we didn't really celebrate the 4th of July. We spent the day with Bruce's sister in Wisconsin and drove home instead of watching fireworks. Today, we spent the day at our house. It was in the mid-80's and partly cloudly. Bruce blew up Emmie's new baby pool and filled it with water in the backyard. Then Emmie and I played in it for a long time.

Bruce grilled brats and corn on the cob for dinner. We all ate on the patio, and Bruce and I sipped margaritas.  We had warm apple pie a la mode for dessert.

Afterwards, we put Emmie in her stroller and walked down to the end of the neighborhood, where a big band was playing and the town had gathered for the fireworks show.  We hung out for a bit and then headed back.

As we were strolling up our street, our neighbors were all out in their yards, children running free and adults holding beverages. We waved and one of the neighbors called out, "You bought the best seat in the house!" Confirming our suspicions that we would have a good view of the show.

When the sun had long passed the western horizon and the heavens had darkened a deep blue, the fireworks began! It was incredible. We could see everything!

Emmie sat in my lap and kept repeating, "Wow!" We sat in chairs on our own lawn, enjoying. Just the three of us.  While Emmie was experiencing her first 4th of July fireworks show, Bruce and I were witnessing the spectacular result of our own American dream.