Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Independence Day 2013

I thought I would take a break from the epicness that is the weekend recap to revisit the 4th of July.  Makes sense, right?  Ok then, let's dive right in.

My family is all about traditions - in a sense.  Let me explain.  We will always get together for birthdays, for instance, but we won't have the same celebration each time.  Or how about New Years' Day?  We always have black eyed peas and cornbread, but it won't always be the same time or place every year.  So to recap: Traditions - Good.  Monotony - Bad.  Capiche?

Our tradition for Independence Day is simple.  We, as family, gather each July 4th evening to watch the fireworks - that the City of Fairhope provides - from the Fairhope Yacht Club pier.  My grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, and everyone in between show up for this show.  What we do during the day prior to this is anyone's guess, but it usually involves eating {let's face it - it isn't a good day unless food is involved.  Wait, duh.}.  

This year we decided to take Canon to my brother's house to "swim" with my niece.  


Of course, that was the day that it decided to rain.  {Oh who am I kidding?!  It always rains here.} So, that was a short-lived adventure, but the kids had a good time.  After that, we headed to my grandparents' house for some good food and more family.  My grandparents are members of the yacht club and live just down the street from the pier so we can walk down to enjoy the water and the fireworks at any time during that day.  Of course I took advantage of the time to take some photos.  {It's ok if you are shocked.  I will give you a moment to collect yourself.}




We let the kids play with fire sparklers and those things that you throw down on the ground and they pop really loud.  {Note:  I obviously don't know what they are called, but Canon loved them.  He loves throwing anything - balls, shoes, insults...kidding.}
                                    

Of course no 4th of July celebration is complete without fireworks! Last year I took the standard fireworks shots and loved the way they turned out.  This year I tried to be a little more artistic.  Let's just say I think I like last years' shots more, but you never know unless you try right?  Try, try again.  Practice makes perfect. Enough cliches for you yet?

 







The next two make me think of the birth of stars.  Have you ever seen the way they portray the birth of stars?  It's like a huge burst of light and energy just explodes all at once.  So cool.




This one just screams "Clash of the gods" right?

Of course, no 4th of July would ever be complete without thanking those men and women - past, present, and future - who put their lives on the line or pay the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  Thank you for all you do.  I know it seems like all we do on days of remembrance like this is gorge ourselves with grilled food and watch fireworks, but trust me when I say that we remember.  We honor and salute you for all you have done and continue to do.

Traditions, however loose, are important because they bring us together.  They help us to remember what is most important and to cherish those that we love.  I can honestly say that July 4, 2013 I was with my family, whom I love with all my heart, and I realized, yet again, how blessed I truly am.

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