Happy 4th

We spent Independence Day at my parents' house this year--I can't remember the last time Chad didn't have to work on the 4th of July!  We had a delicious BBQ lunch with my grandparents, my aunt, and my cousin Mikel's son, who was a baby the last time I saw him.  We also celebrated my dad's 56th birthday, and I gave him a game called Sesquipedalian, because that's what he is.

Lincoln was passed around plenty.  We all work for the smile (only a hint of which got captured on camera...and yes, these photos are very grainy...but I love them, and I'm learning).

We actually bought fireworks for the first time this year.  I know.  My daughter is five.  Poor deprived soul. 

In past years, the only fireworks on the 4th have been the ones that shoot off from the hill of tailings at the mine here.  We usually try to go watch those, sometimes parking along-side Highway 188 so we can catch a glimpse of Chad in his patrol car.

But this year, we experienced the flames first-hand in the safety of my parents' stone-paved courtyard, accompanied by a light drizzle to ensure that we would not add to the number of forest fires in Arizona.

Sparklers.  Enchanted kids.  Total control of my shutter speed.  Bliss.