Fourth of July

There's just something about the 4th of July that makes me feel like a kid again. The smell of charcoal grilling hot dogs, the potluck parties, ice cream and laughter with friends and family... No matter what I do, I always end up sunburnt. This year we have a parade to attend, a street dance, and a very important 40th birthday party. It looks like the weather is going to be amazing in the Eau Claire area (guaranteed sunburn for me).

I love seeing the kiddos waving their American flags and dressed in super cute red white & blue clothes. This is the only day that I am "that mom" that makes everyone wear matching clothes. Normally I'm not like that, but I just love it on the 4th of July. I can't always get the boys to cooperate as much, but they usually comply.

For several different reasons, this year feels different than it has in the past. I have parties to attend, but I'm cautious. I probably won't be hugging as much as normal. I'll for sure have hand sanitizer with me. We will eat our own food and not share it with others. That seems so strange, but it's just where we are at right now. My family will be distant. But you know what? We are going to go. We are going to be cautious. But we are going to have some fun for the first time in a while. Am I nervous? A little bit. There are still some traditions that I have to carry on with my family. This weekend is a big one for us, and family traditions are important.