Fourth of July Journaling Prompt:

What is your favorite Fourth of July memory?

Here's mine: 

Every year in my hometown, the tri-county band sets up around the high school football field and plays music while the Lioness group hosts an ice-cream social, the boys scouts sell popcorn and glow sticks, and residents set up blankets and chairs to listen. Kids all run around playing until just before dusk when the firemen set off the big BOOMs--a signal that the fireworks celebration is about to begin. 

It was (and still is) a huge, hometown celebration. For our country. Except I told my oldest it was for him.

You see, his birthday is January 4th. I thought I was being kind of clever and just told him that all of our hometown gathered to celebrate his half birthday with music, ice-cream, party favors and fireworks. 

It was the perfect party. Until the year that he was sick on the Fourth of July. My son and I sat on our back porch listening to the sounds of everyone else celebrating his "half birthday." 

As we snuggled, I confessed. "You know Nathan, the Fourth of July is really a celebration of independence day. It's for our country."

"I know, mom," he replied. "It was just fun to pretend." And he snuggled further into our hug.

This is my favorite Fourth of July memory. It's been about 16 years since this happened, and I'm happy to report that no therapy was required to fix any scars or hurts that could have come from my "clever" little idea.

How about you? What is your favorite Fourth of July Memory?
Do you have any special traditions with you family? 
If you could visit any historical American site, what would it be? 
Finish this sentence: I am thankful to live in America because...


Happy Fourth of July, everyone. 

(and happy half birthday to my firstborn!)

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