the red, white, and blue

holidays take on a whole new luster when you have a child. you notice things like pruned fingers and and chattering jaws that insist they're not cold so they can keep playing in the pool. or juicy ice-pops and sticky cheeks that end up collecting bits of sand.

we marched in a parade in the morning, slowly winding our way from one end of the neighborhood to the other, flapping our arms and waving hiiiii to the neighbors sitting at the end of their driveways. flags frantically waved in clenched little fists and a trail of blue foiled confetti was left in our wake.

there were hours in the pool, slapping the water and sneaking in mouthfuls whenever mama wasn't looking. and later, more water! in a bucket! with bubbles! {which surprisingly, was not swallowed by the mouthful} there was sparkling drinks and good food. and twinkling lights strung above a long white table, surrounded by great conversation and even better friends. there were wide eyes and gaping mouths. and a little boy, too fascinated by the bursting lights and their accompanying BOOMs to stay put when his dada tried to cover his ears. 

it was the happiest of fourths and i hope so was yours.