4th of July

Normally we blow the 4th out of the water, so to speak. In years past it has been filled with boating, tanning, drinking, and topped off with an awesome fireworks display in downtown Annapolis (I seriously love watching the fireworks downtown - all of the boats honk their horns during the finale - its awesome.) Last year was a little more toned down since I had just announced to the fam I was pregnant, but we were still keeping it hush because I was only 10 weeks along. This year was the most low key 4th I've had in a very, very long time. We had Dave's family over for a small cookout. Dan, our in house pyro, brought some small fireworks over and Ryan loved watching them. Once everyone left and we put Grady to bed, Dave and I enjoyed a cocktail (or 4) on the back deck and watched everyone gather at the beach for the big show. People all around the neighborhood were setting off their own fireworks, and even though it was popping all around us - loud as hell - Grady never budged. I will admit I was a little uptight knowing the popping would likely continue until midnight, maybe even later, but my little Angel never woke up :)

Mommy made me watch the fireworks from inside :(

The 4th brought back a lot of childhood memories for me. I remember mom dressing us up in red, white and blue, hairbows to match, and going to the Wellington Polo Club (at least in my memory that's where we went) to watch the fireworks. I have a very vivid memory of lots of bug spray, which I HATED, and sitting on the hood of the Volvo station wagon. As I reflected on past 4th's, it became very clear that we were going to start creating our own family traditions. I love it. I can't wait to make every holiday, big or small, so special for Grady so that one day he can have kids of his own and while watching fireworks he can reflect on the memories we made with him. Melts my heart!

XOXO,

Court