July 4 Fireworks

We had quite a display on our little street once again this year.  The local CBS affiliate covered at bit of the prep--leaving before any actual explosions occurred.  (They must have been pretty sure things would go well, since they titled the piece: Cayce Fireworks are a Crowd Pleaser.)

 

Before the hour-long show, bunches of my family arrived at our casita for dogs, chips, beans, etc.  Izzy grilled, then led the kids in throwing snap-n-pops, smoke bombs and other incendiary devices.  They all listened pretty carefully to him and no one got hurt,  I should mention that this is the same family that had skeet shooting at two 11 year old bday parties this past fall, so these kids have had the virtue of listening to adults around dangerous stuff drilled into their heads.. 

 

Just before dusk, bottles of insect repellent came out and chairs, coolers and babies were carried to the park down the street.  There were 26 of us, I think, from 11 months through AARP member.  Little ones watched the fireworks when not climbing or sliding on the park equipment, or digging in the sand.  The adults oohed and aahed and enjoyed sitting back.  I tried to converse with a friend of a friend from church--let's not try that again while explosions are happening 50 feet away (what I mis-heard was just too embarrassing...)

 

Afterwards, back to our house for strawberry shortcake, cookies, ice cream, and more sugary beverages (aunts & uncles are allowed to do that sort of thing.) Then outside for more fun with bottle rockets and sparklers, plus a few other big boom items. 

 

The kid cousins visiting from Arizona had never been able to set off fireworks (illegal where they live) and I think quite a memory was created.  The impression I take away from yesterday is of the perfect ending to a small town Independence Day.

 

Hope various folks' 4ths (& at least one's 1st) were memorable.