Independence Day (The Long Version)

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.” -Erma Bombeck

That is still my all-time favorite Fourth of July quote. And this may be my all-time favorite drawing of the Fourth of July, courtesy of Ansley on Saturday morning.

 

Now, onto the celebration. It started out like any other day, full with the promise of adventure. We were headed to the Greenway for some family bike riding, since Ansley has been asking to do this for quite some time. And with the cool front that swept through this area, it seemed like great timing.

 

It was a beautiful trail, and since it was documented by Ansley, we had to stop and take (many) pictures like this:

 

Aaaaannnnnnddd this:

 

I don't know why she things she has to document EVERYTHING. Who does that? Christian definitely had the best ride, with no exertion of energy and bottomless drinks for the whole trip.

 

But then, as we were coming up a hill, the worst thing that could happen on a bike ride when you are many, many miles from home, happened. Well, I take that back, since we have probably experienced the WORST thing (a shattered, broken arm), so maybe the second worst thing. But then, that doesn't sound nearly as dramatic, does it? Anyway....John's chain broke. Snapped in two.

 

He was determined to fix it, and, as you may know if you know John, he can fix anything. So we pushed our bikes to the shade - it appeared to be an old, deserted parking garage - while John got to fixin' and the kids....... got a little bored.

So pictures like this started to occur:

 

There is a limited number of things you can do in a small abandoned space while slightly hot and sweaty. For over an hour. Sadly, for perhaps the first time ever, John was not able to fix the chain. So we walked to Sullivan's and had lunch at 2 o'clock, but at least in air conditioning.

 

Yes, I did cut John's head off, but remember? I was sweaty and irritable. It makes me take bad pictures. Oh, I didn't mention irritable? You should always assume anytime sweat + Megan is involved, irritableness is also present.

We got home pretty late, and we had plans that evening to go to Shawn and Christina's house for dinner, and they had friends visiting from Atlanta, Brian and Desta, that we are friends with as well. Did that sentence even make sense? So Christian got a quick nap, and then we headed over there.

We enjoyed a yummy meal, and while the adults ate the kids enjoyed a slip and slide in the yard. It was great fun hanging out with Shawn and Christina, as always, and so nice to catch up with Brian and Desta!

Ansley and Paige waiting their turn:

 

Ansley enjoying the ride:

 

As soon as I saw the slip and slide, I said these exact words "There is a slim to none chance that Christian will ever go on that." And, really, who knows their child better than a Mom?

 

Obviously.

 

This is purposeful walking through the water, squealing and laughing, not crying just in case you were confused. Like I was, given the fact that last year Christian wanted NOTHING to do with water, let alone hurtling down a hill with water spraying his face. But what do I know?

Afterwards the kids enjoyed some fireworks.

 

 

Ansley and Paige watching the bigger fireworks:

 

And finally, we ended the evening with watching fireworks displays from their deck and BEAUTIFUL mountain view! Honestly, I think we must have more fireworks displays here than in any other part of the US. It was CRAZY! But fun.

 

A great celebration with great friends!

Comments

[MiMi]

First of all, that was the Easter bunny. He just got confused with the holiday! Next, I was wondering when I saw you say that sweat + you created irritability. Well, does that mean you have been irritable for almost 3 months now with that P90X?? I can tell you are having some fun, fun activities this summer. Keep it up!!!

MEGAN RESPONDS: Since we do P90 inside, I am not irritable. Air conditioned workouts are the best! :)

[Desta]

I have to argue some on the point you made about that 'cool' front! :) I'll agree Friday there was a cool front- but Sat.?! :)) It was GREAT seeing you all finally and catching up!!! It had been way too long! I'm so glad it ended up working out!! Oh- and I love that quote too!

[Ashley Lee]

It looks like you had a wonderful Fourth of July celebration, too. Glad you got to spend some time with friends--creating more wonderful memories.

[Renee]

It looks like you had a very happy Fourth of July with your biking adventures and your evening with friends. So glad you got to see Desta's family. :) The picture of Christian on the slip and slide makes me smile!!!

[Christina]

We are so glad that you all got to join us that evening... even though you told us the story that night, seeing the pictures and reading about your adventure makes me feel like I was there with you, sweating and waiting! Someday we'll all have to take a bike ride together!