2nd Favorite

My 2nd favorite holiday (behind Christmas, naturally) has got to be the 4th of July. For a semi-psychological analysis of why, read my friend Emily's post about her July birthday husband here. It's all about July birthdays, for sure.

I put a lot of pressure on poor July 4th and use words like 'quintessential' and 'slice of Americana' and 'Norman Rockwell-esque' when I look for ways to spend our holiday. My favorite 4ths have been in Hud.son, WI where there was a parade down the 'main' street with visiting princesses doing 'the wave' on their float celebrating UFO Days in Elm.wood (or wherever they're from), candy thrown, firetrucks, marching bands and all without being over run, crowded or fraught with parking issues. Then on to Booster Days where the carnies are running Tilt A Whirls and Zippers and you could see and be seen and we longed to be in the Beer Garden. Last were the fireworks over the St. Cro.ix River. Sigh.

Since we haven't been up nort' for the 4th in awhile, we have found a way for me to enjoy the 4th here and not be homesick for the Midwest. This took several years, actually, and Mr. B had to wipe a few tears in the early years as we perfected our holiday plan. This year, I will say, was my most favorite ever and I think we have our traditions down to an art form.

We start with the neighborhood's bike/stroller/wagon parade where it's all participants, no spectators and the children have water balloon fights and enjoy popscicles after the long, hard parade (all of a few blocks). After we sweat and enjoy visiting with our neighbors, we jump in the car and head to the pool to swim and picnic the heat of the day away. Last we join friends for the Houst.on Symp.hony and fireworks at Mill.er Out.door Thea.tre.

The Sunday date for the 4th threw a bit of wrench in the works but that's why I liked it even better---it extended our holiday! The bike parade and swimming were on the 3rd and it left us time to make star-shaped rice krispie treats decorated in red and blue icing. Then we were able to go to church on the 4th (and Miss F marched with streamers through the sanctuary when we sang "The Batt.le Hymn of the Rep.ublic") and then picnic, splash and watch the Dock Dogs competition at this park. Later we BBQ'd with friends and closed out the night at our usual firework location. Two days of July 4th is way better than just one!