4th of July

On the fourth, as we always do, we made the trek to Choctaw to spend the night setting off fireworks at my parent's house. The thing we haven't done before is sit inside while a monsoon rained us out. The boys were so busy playing, it made little difference and as far as Joshy was concerned, getting to do poppers and the like the next day was more than sufficient. I did miss sitting out on the lawn and watching the boys light as many as they can at the same time and then sprint off in the other direction. There is always the one that falls over or shoots straight into a tree but you take the hand exploding off your arm risk to make it to the finale. Yes it is fun to hold a tube that explodes fire balls or four tiered sparklers but nothing beats the oohs and ahs of watching the sky light up in quicker and quicker succession until they merge together in a bittersweet finale. You can imagine sitting on the ship, the rockets lighting a glimpse of the flag. You can imagine how long you will be scratching because you forgot to put on bug spray. Where do all these mosquitoes come from anyway? Is there a frog shortage I don't know about? I thought that is what they ate.

Joshy and my dad played pirates with the new foam hats and swords I had bought the boys. The more the cherish the art of fighting, the more I gravitate towards toys with give. Joshy and my dad have a special bond. As soon as he sees him, he runs and punches dad in the stomach, ready to pick up wrestling where they left off.

Prior to the rain clouds rolling in, the boys spent some time playing in the water. Joshy is a good teacher and Ben a quick study.

I don't know...do you think Ben is enjoying himself?

Joshy had stumbled into a pack of Wolverine tattoos and wanted one on each cheek. He loves the superhero movies and he LOVES fake tattoos. Need we revisit the pictures from when Jessi babysits and we come home to a boy covered from head to toe.

I hope that everyone had a Happy Fourth.