When is it okay for drunk people to set off explosives?

When celebrating the 4th of July, of course. All four sisters were gathered for the weekend though we were neither drunk nor dealing with explosives. It was a healing time focused less on Independence Day and more on getting things done and being together. But we still got in on the fireworks action. The people next to Gunga's cabin do a professional-type fireworks show every year. It was beautiful...
But let me stress the words NEXT DOOR which means it was extremely loud. As in painfully loud. I don't know think the kids minded that much...
But I hated it. As did my nephew Lane who watched from inside...
Smart kid. But obnoxious fireworks could not dampen my love for the lake cabin...
I grew up doing exactly what my daughter is doing above and I love that the tradition continues.

I was thankful for the family time...

Uncle Alvin wins the award for the most patriotic outfit...
Uncle Jeff wins the award for the only adult willing and patient enough to help the kids light off their fireworks...
And Uncle Steve wins the award for feeding Lulu the most ice cream...
Though she made the rounds, believe me. Her charm serves her well in scavenging bites of dessert.

Tate's highlight was getting a cell phone which he is hoping will bring him some independence of his own. His mean parents require he pay for the monthly fee, but he had a years worth saved up just in time for the weekend. So, congrats buddy...
If looking at Tate's hair makes you think of Justin Bieber that would be fitting since my nieces went to his concert. Emmie really wanted to go, but we couldn't justify the money nor are we ready to encourage the boy crazyness. She will come by that naturally, so she doesn't need extra encouragement by her Mom taking her to a screaming hormone fest. She was pretty bummed as you can see...
Okay, maybe I kind of wanted to go too...
I told you she comes by it naturally. Instead I got my Justin fix by watching the Tina Fey/Justin Bieber sketch on SNL. Mute blog music and enjoy. Hilarious.

One thing that I really appreciate is that even though we no longer have our dear parents, we still have a family unit with my sisters and their families. I know Gunga was really blessed that her daughters were best friends. She prayed for that and encouraged that. I think she would be really blessed to see how we are walking through our grieving and closing down her household as best friends. Instead of fighting over who gets what, we are using the opportunity to connect with one another and help each other grieve.

But I didn't forget that it was Independence Day. What I was thinking about the most was the men and women who give their lives for the freedom we enjoy. Actually, I was mainly just thinking of four of them.

My friend Robrenna (who retired in April) and her husband Troy...
My nephew Josh who is at the Air Force Academy...
And my Daddy...
To them and to all who preserve and protect our freedom: I could never thank you enough.