4th of July

The 4th of July means one thing at our house: fireworks. We don't put on the most spectacular display, but it is serious business for one Andrew Hammond.

He did the shopping with Grandpa, and he did not take this responsibility lightly.



Sparklers come first. Little kids are welcome to take part in this ritual.



But the big stuff had to wait until the little ones were safely off to bed. First there needed to be a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.



Then everyone had to take their places.



Grandpa had to do all the hard work while Andrew stayed a safe distance away. I'm told that this year one of the fireworks was so loud that he actually fell out of his chair when it went off. I did not witness this as I was busy putting the babies down when they decided not to wait for me. But I'm not bitter.




Willa was coaxed outside for the first time. Fireworks usually make her run and hide.



And she stayed for the whole display -- we have photographic proof:




Happy Fourth of July to all!