I usually try to avoid anything that has to do with crowds of people, hot weather, and inevitably complaining children.  A perfect example of an event like this, that qualifies in every category, is the 4th of July.  The last time that we took the kids to see the fireworks in Charlotte was three years ago when it rained and the fireworks were delayed by an hour.  After that I swore I would not go and see fireworks unless I absolutely had to go.  Well,  the time had arrived.  The kids are old enough and aware enough to know what they are missing out on – fireworks.

We awoke Monday morning and began to plan our day, which was to included fireworks.  It turns out that Charlotte has a huge fireworks show downtown next to the baseball stadium in Romare Beardon Park.  We decided that we would brave the heat and the crowds in order to give the kids a proper 4th of July.  When my grandmother got wind that we were heading downtown, she jumped at the chance to join us.  (Unlike me, she loves to get out and see what the crowds are doing.)

First, we ate a late steak lunch at my parents’ house.  Then the six of us drove uptown to Romare Beardon Park with our waters, a blanket, chairs, and our Uno game (can’t leave home without it).  The one thing that we forgot to bring was snacks.  Oops.  After an hour or so the kids were asking for food.  (Didn’t we just eat lunch?!?!?)  Tom convinced me to go and seek out some food for the kids.  There were a lot of food trucks there but I was too cheap to buy food for five people at a food truck, especially when half of it probably wouldn’t get eaten.  I decided that the 7-11 was a better fit for our family.  Who doesn’t like peanut butter crackers and chips? Faith and I walked over the 7-11 at the corner, and low-and-behold, there was a line to get INTO the 7-11.  I was shocked but not entirely surprised.    Everyone else was hungry, impatient and cheap as well. So, we waited in line and eventually came out of the small store with $15 worth of snacks, bananas, sparkling water, and ice cream sandwiches.  Everything that we needed in order to make it until dark.  After the trip to the 7-11, I was actually in a better mood and could relax a little knowing that the kids would no longer be begging me for snacks and ice cream.  Everyone was placated.

Thankfully, the fireworks more than met our expectations.  The fireworks show was the longest one I have EVER seen in my life.  It was so long that people began to leave when there was a long pause in the action.  We all thought it was over, but then a few minutes later it started up again.  I couldn’t believe how many fireworks were shot up into the air that night.  We even began guessing how much money was spent by the city on that thirty minutes of entertainment.  It was an amazing fireworks display.

Because our trip was such a success, I think that we may brave it again next year.  However, next year I plan to bring a cooler full of food, drink, snacks, and maybe even a mixed drink or two.

Faith and I got to spend some time together buying food and laying on the blanket….

Mom of the year with the ice cream sandwiches…..

The boys played Uno while we were waiting for the sun to go down.  I am SO thankful that we brought the game with us….

Grandmama had the joy of sitting with Miller during the fireworks. He walked over and climbed up into her lap during the long show. She loved every minute of it….