Fourth Fever!

I survived another Fourth of July in Bristol. Don't get me wrong -- I love it. The carnival, the parade, the nightly concerts, the cookouts, the fireworks, etc. It's just exhausting. For those of you who don't live in Bristol, the Fourth of July festivities begin on Flag Day. The season of celebrating this country's independence lasts almost as long as the Christmas Season -- think of how you feel on December 26, and you get an idea of how exhausting being Patriotic can be.

Although - truth be told, I had it pretty easy this year. Fred worked the night of the ball (yes, there is a 4th of July ball) so we weren't obligated to go. We only went to one concert. My in-laws took the boys to the carnival. I didn't even catch the fireworks this year. And, as Domenic pointed out, we didn't decorate. I think we may be the only house in town that isn't sporting patriotic bunting. Oh well, Mia had a different red/white/blue ensemble for every day of the week -- doesn't decorating your children count for something?

Here's Fred broadcasting the parade in HD!

And here's one of Mia, sparkler headband and all (so cute!). And Domenic watching with anticipation - little does he know he has to sit there for 3 more hours.

And finally -- Fred took the boys to tour the USS Widbey, a ship that is docked for the weekend in the bay. It's a pretty impressive ship, and all 3 boys thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Grandpa, you would have loved it.

I know I said the Fourth is over -- but as I'm writing this I can hear the "grand finale" of a fireworks display in the next town. Okay, maybe tomorrow the Fourth will be finished.