In our family, the Fourth of July means hamburgers and fireworks. Sometimes we celebrate with friends, last year we were blessed to be in Utah and celebrate with extended family, and sometimes it is just us. No matter where we are, the dinner menu usually involves the following:
- hamburgers/hot dogs
- potato salad
- watermelon
- Red, White, and Blue Cake: angel food cake with whipped cream and strawberries and blueberries on top
This year my husband surprised us with bottles of IBC Root Beer, which added a tasty treat.
Since our children are still young, we haven’t yet felt the desire to brave the crowds and stay out late for the community sponsored fireworks displays. So my husband is happy to oblige us by setting off our own fireworks show in the street in front of our home. The kids love the pop-its and sparklers, and then we settle in for our personal pyrotechnic display.
This year our ward hosted a pancake breakfast, complete with face painting, a children’s bike parade and stick pulling. There was a flag raising ceremony and Pledge of Allegiance to start things off, which put us all in a patriotic mood. It was a great way to start the day by socializing with our ward friends. Hopefully that event will be a tradition that continues!
In the days leading up to the holiday we also read some patriotic books.
We are thankful for this country that we live in and the freedoms that are ours.