When I was a kid we visited London over the holiday, and for a brainless moment I wondered where were are all the fireworks? Because you know the Brits love to celebrate American Independence! Ha.
Tyler and I and the kids are all a little grumpy this summer. It should not warrant even the slightest complaint, the fact that we are all here together most of the day. It should be a wonderful blessing. And it is. But adults are used to a certain amount of productivity in a day, and children are used to seeing one or both of their parents head out somewhere in the morning, and then return in the evening tired but happy to see them. We are all here though, and it's frustrating that taking care of the kids isn't any easier, we're not getting more done, I'm not taking any breaks, etc. Tyler's summer internship is not using enough of his skills or time, so that in itself is unsettling for him. Ideally we should both be able to exercise, address a hobby, and both take care of the kids, because there are two of us to switch on and off. But instead we're going on weekend mode every day, because that's what we're used to doing when we're all together. What should we do today? What fun thing would the kids like? All this to say that on the morning of the 4th I was not ready for a special family celebration, I was ready to leave the house independently! I did. I took the trash out. And the 5 minute walk was honestly enough to recharge. The day got better as it went on.
Norwood has a children's parade in the early afternoon, where they can dress up as historical characters and decorate their bikes, strollers, wagons, etc. Lincoln, naturally, was Lincoln.
I made a paper top hat and we taped it to his helmet. He also had a makeup beard, but it was hard to see underneath the straps.
Another kid had the same idea! Abraham, meet Abraham!
After parading around in the heat, everyone was pretty sweaty and tired. We went home, and after several of the kids took naps...
we went to the pool in our complex.
It was really fun to play in the water with 6 kids; our friends are happy, kind people, and we usually feel the better after spending time with them. For the latter half of the evening, we had the pool to ourselves. Lots of squealing, sharing, "NO RUNNING!" and laughing. I don't have pictures of the actual swimming, but here's some boys taking a break.
Life is good.
I'm happy to be an American.
And I recognize that freedom and independence are wonderful but not easy, like most responsibilities.
They require intelligence and creativity to work well.
