why I love the 4th of july…

There is just something so nostalgic about the 4th of July for me.  It always has been, and always will be, one of my most favorite holidays.  Second only to Christmas.

Since childhood, I couldn’t sleep the night before our 4th of July pool party that we attended every year at our friend’s house.  We would arrive early in the day with ice chests filled with food and drinks and we would swim all day long- stopping only to fill up on more watermelon.

One of my favorite movies growing up was Sandlot.  Why?  Well, because of the 4th of July scene with Ray Charles singing America the Beautiful in the background.  Obviously.

You can imagine the excitement I felt when the doctor told me that our son’s due date was on the 4th of July.  I can’t wait until Sam is old enough to enjoy this holiday.

I always made such fond memories with friends and family on this day.  This year was no different.  We had a low-key get together in our backyard with some of our dear friends.  These friends were very obliging to my request to sing all “America-themed” songs during the fireworks show.  We would have made Ray Charles and Lee Greenwood proud.

Without further ado, here are the top 5 reasons I love the 4th of July…in pictures, of course.

1.Spending time with good friends

Molly and Jenna

2. Adorable kids

3. Delicious Food

4. Lots of Playing

5. Fireworks

Our group watching the Downtown Minneapolis fireworks show from our street corner