Happy Independence Day

I hope everyone had a great day. I love the 4th of July and everything patriotic. I know it stems from the brief stint I had in Russia. Realizing that not everyone enjoys the freedoms that we do (even though Russia isn't communist anymore, many people were still greatly limited because of communism...if that makes sense) made me love this country even more. Even with all the issues we have here, we are pretty darn lucky to live in this wonderful, promised land.

So, to celebrate, Brent and I decided to host our first back yard barbecue. It was fun to plan it and carry out a fun evening of activities.

The set up and food

On the menu: Ribs, corn on the cob, rolls, potato salad, macaroni salad, crab salad, chips, watermelon, and hot dogs. For dessert we had cupcakes and a berry trifle (angel food cake, pudding, cool whip, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries). I think everyone got plenty to eat. We have such nice family that we only provided the ribs, corn, and dessert. Don't you like the nice patriotic decorations? We thought they were fun.

The entertainment

After dinner we just hung out for a while. Some people played cowboy golf and the kids ran around having a great time. I think the hit of the evening was the snaps. Each kid had their own box and we still needed more! So fun. The temperature was perfect for an evening of visiting.

The real entertainment

When it started getting dark we moved the party to the front yard and set up for the fireworks. We started out with sparklers for the kids. They weren't sure about them at first but quickly warmed up to the idea of holding something that is on fire in their tiny little hands. We lit some of the smaller fireworks that we bought and enjoyed all the fireworks that people were lighting off. If you've never been to Evanston for the 4th, you need to come at least once. It is impossible to describe the amount of fireworks being lit off across the town. It was so loud around us that we had to almost yell to hear each other. Crazy.
We watched the city's show and then decided to light one more of our big ones off. Something went horribly wrong and it tipped over. We're talking one of the ones that shoots them high in the air and then they explode. The canister tipped over and started shooting them all over. All over like straight at our house and bushes...and the neighbors bushes and cars. It was a little intense for a minute waiting for the destruction. Luckily nothing caught on fire or exploded. Braxton caught one of the sparks in the head and it singed his hair. After that we all decided that the party was over. Yikes! I haven't been so scared for a long time.
Corbin isn't a big fan of all the noise. He was so tired and fell asleep shortly after everything was over. My niece Jenna, on the other hand, couldn't get enough of the fireworks (she will be one in 10 days). She was wide awake just mesmerized by all the colors and sounds.
So besides the small mishap with the fireworks it was a great evening. We only wish that our party could have been bigger so we could invite all the people that we wanted. Maybe one day our house will be big enough for that...and we'll have enough tables and chairs!
Happy 4th of July!

PS. it is 11:45 and the fireworks are still going strong outside. I think it is going to be a long night.