boom boom pow

It was a packed holiday weekend. 

I spent Friday kayaking and dancing the night away in Call of Duty boxers (don't ask), Saturday I was in Mobile until the wee hours, Sunday I spent down at the bay, and Monday I relaxed at the beach. 

So needless to say when I got home the last thing in the world I wanted to do was go down to the pier, fight off tourists and bugs so I could sweat through a fireworks show.

But I felt guilty since I had not been home all weekend, so I grudgingly tagged along.

Miss Lady has stayed home with the little ones and Big Papa still had to go find a place among the 2000 other people there where he could park our big red bus, so #2 here was placed on "keep everyone together and find a decent spot to plant the posse."

We found ourselves a nice little place down by the water....an hour before the "boom! oooh! pow! ooooh!" was supposed to begin. Marie and Philly were arguing over whether or not siblings could hold hands while taking pictures. Ja'Paul had up and left to check out the Baldwin Pops band. Louie was bathing in bug spray. Joey-Boy broke a chair. And to top it all off, Janie Bug was tired/hungry/wanted to go home. All this loveliness ensured before Big Papa had even gotten back from parking the van

So before I continue, I have a little confession about myself - When I'm tired and irritated, every single thing begins to bother me. Philly wanted to put his arm around me, Marie deciding to pull out her nintendo, Louie counting down until the fireworks start. Everything begins to bother me. Then I realize everything is bothering me...and that bothers me.

The fireworks started and the camera refused to work. I knew if I didn't grow up and get over myself, I would completely be missing the opportunity to enjoy the 4th of July with my family. So I turned off the camera, took a deep breath, got comfortable the blanket, sucked up my inner complaints and finally after about a minute I was able to happily watch explosions in the sky with a sweaty five year old on my lap.

and my amazing Daddy figured out the 'fireworks' setting on the camera :)

So even though I was utterly exhausted, I had a fantastic time. Janie-Bug told me how happy she was that she came, Philly told me today was the best day ever, and Louie informed us that she would remember that firework show for the rest of her life. 

All in all, I'm so very glad I got to spend the 4th with (most of) the incredible family God has blessed me with.