Friday, 10 July 2009

• It's a Blast!

  For whatever reason, I was really looking forward to 4th of July celebrations this year.  As I get older, I seem to enjoy the heat more and more (isn't that backwards?), so that wasn't a concern.  Plus, I love any excuse to get together with family (and practically family) to celebrate a holiday or simply just because.

   

  This year, we started off the celebration of our country's independence with an impromptu trip to the fireworks display at Grace Church just down the road.  We met up with Auntie Lolo, Uncle Keke, and Poppy to see what Grace Church had in store.  There were a ton of inflatables, food, and even a car show to which Poppy was immediately drawn.  Jeff and I waited in line with the girls as they jumped and slid their way through every inflatable they were big enough for, while Keke and Lolo scoped out a spot for our chairs. 

   

  We treated ourselves to some root beer floats and settled in, waiting for the show to start.  They weren't as prompt as expected, so the girls got creative in ways to entertain themselves.  Bebes were flying through the air, songs were sung, and of course, Poppy offered his own form of entertainment  in the way of phantom fireworks.  Imagine the looks on the faces of those around us as Poppy "ooh'd" and "ahh'd" over a fireworks display only he could see.

   

  

   

  

   

  

  Making sure she gets it all!

   

  

   

  

   

  

   

  

  Keke & Lolo

   

  

  Poppy

   

  

  Cadie & Bebe (in the air)

   

  

  She cracks me up these days!

   

  Finally, the show began, and it was spectacular.  I've always loved fireworks, the sparkles, sounds, and overall feeling they give me of appreciation for the freedoms we've been afforded as a country.  This was the first year I felt the girls really paid attention to the fireworks and appreciated them.  We warned them they would be loud, so both girls immediately covered their ears.  After a few shots, though, they settled in and enjoyed the show.

   

  

   

  

   

  

   

  

   

  

   

  

   

  

  No more pictures!

  Our celebration continued on the 4th at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  Jeff was excited to take his second gander at smoking some ribs, so we loaded up, smoker in toe, and headed out to the "country".  Those of you who live in Tulsa will know that the weather was not customary for 4th's of July from the past.  It rained and poured all morning, washing away my hopes of badminton, croquet, and cool homemade ice cream on the front porch.  Luckily, in true Oklahoma weather form, the skies cleared up just in time for the sidewalks and grass to dry out, while leaving behind a cool temperature and light breeze.

   

  It was quite the gathering, with family and friends alike, including Grandma and Grandpa; Mike and Linda; Mollie and Scuba; Keke and Lolo; Julius and Kimberly; Frank, Julie, and Grace; and of course, the four of us.  After an amazing meal (ribs, BBQ chicken, beans, potato salad, three bean salad, cole slaw, and more), we stepped outside for some fun. 

   

  

   

  

   

  

  Cadie & Scuba

   

  

  Cadie & Mike

   

  

  Homemade Icecream...YUM!

   

  

  Mollie & Maddie

   

  

  Frank & Jeff

   

  

  Cadie bowling...

   

  

  then mad because she smashed her fingers between the pins & the ball.

   

  

  Grandpa & Mike

   

  

   

  We decided on a four-on-four game of badminton, while the kiddos kicked balls, dug in the dirt, and played with the grandparents.  To say the game was entertaining would be an understatement.  We saw a different side of Frank ("Go, you sassy frassy!"), witnessed some wicked serves from Keke, were impressed by a number of impressive and unexpected saves by Lolo and Mollie, and I took a birdie right between the eyes.  In the end, the Patton's prevailed!

   

  

  Keke & Lolo had to leave before fireworks

   

  As the daylight dwindled, we started our own fireworks including parachutes, roman candles, and the occasional fountain and rocket.  Our display wasn't even remotely as impressive as Grace's, but we had a good time.  And, the best thing about being in the country?  You have a practically 360 degree view of other big displays all across town.  We enjoyed several renditions of Independence Day favorites, including "You're a Grand Ol' Flag" (Cadie & Maddie's favorite), "The Star Spangled Banner", "America, the Beautiful", and "God Bless the U.S.A" as we sat back and enjoyed the show.  And, as I cuddled up with my children, I couldn't help but think what a blessed country we truly are.

   

  

  Frank, Julie, & Grace

   

  

   Linda & Maddie

   

   

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