Red-White-Blue

Our 4th of July traditions have morphed over the years depending on our location and family state. But no matter what we're doing, the 4th of July will always be my favorite holiday. Swimming, barbecue, fireworks and laid back time with family and friends. Even as I kid, I liked it best, but now as a grown up I could not be happier about how low pressure summer’s biggest holiday is.

Where else would we kick off the day than at the beach? Our good friends joined us and every other Southern Californian with the same idea at the sandy shore. 

After another successful jaunt at the beach followed by torturous flights of stairs back to the parking lot, we whipped up some hamburgers and hot dogs at home and got ready for the next round of festivities.

We were warned in advance that our city goes all out for the 4th. Blankets are set out at 6am for the evening fireworks. You snooze, you lose.

With our blankets safely in place bright and early, we waited until dusk to walk over and check out the carnival, bounce houses and live band.

Finn enjoyed one of the carnival prizes a little too much and spread glitter all over his face.

Crew was entertained for an hour bopping people on the head with the inflatable guitar.

We loaded up on cotton candy and funnel cake until it was time for the main attraction.

The fireworks did not disappoint. The finale kept getting bigger and bigger until we didn't think it would be possible to top. And then it covered the entire sky. I have never seen anything like that before. It was incredible.

The boys were sufficiently exhausted by the end of the night, but they ganged up on us and convinced us to do sparklers before hitting the hay. It only took them 10 minutes to go through all of the boxes.

We were so glad our friends came and stayed with us to help us break in our new SoCal traditions. The 4th of July is the best.