FOH’s first fourth of July was a huge hit. Can’t you tell? This is what he thought about the parade.

Yep. I’d say thrilled. For sure.

I think he was really hoping for some funnel cake. I promised him that would be next year and that if he was really good, I might throw a fried Oreo in there. Clearly these would be for my benefit. Not his. I mean, clearly.

Amazing what a difference a year makes, isn’t it? I say this as a year ago at this time, I was watching fireworks light up the sky over Douglas Lake. Wedding planning with Brother.

That Brother of mine, he sure is something. To have a Brother that wedding plans with you! How rare is that?

So one year ago: Douglas Lake. Two years ago: Paris. Three years ago: Paris.

Oh, Paris. You’re always there. Somehow, working your magic ways back into my heart.

Perhaps next year will be another Paris repeat. That’s the exciting thing about life, who knows, right? It’s all there, all possible.

In addition to this being an all around great day, complete with a two and a half hour nap, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. I was actually chilled in the shade as we waited for the parade to begin — chilled! In July!

The high ended up being in the 70’s and we enjoyed a gorgeous evening outside. The usual fourth food fanfare: baked beans, potato salad, burgers and hot dogs.

I wanted to see the fireworks but with FOH and the time, plus being with our families for a cookout, I knew it was doubtful. But, as luck would have it, as we drove home I caught quite the show over the river.

Fireworks are pretty mesmerizing, aren’t they? It’s another high up on the magical list. That explosion of color, the way one begins as they other is still fading, each building on top of the other.

I thought about what it must have looked like for Francis as he sat watching bombs light up the sky a few hundred years ago. It’s pretty easy to see how he was so inspired to write our National Anthem.

Happy Birthday, America. I love you.