The Fourth of July (a little late)

OK, so I am 10 days late in posting about the 4th of July. At least today's date has a "4" in it. Actually, the 4th of July has double meaning for me. Yes, it is the birthday of the day our Founding Fathers decided that this nation needed to be independent. But, it was also the birthday of my Grandma Eyrich. She was born on the 4th of July in 1893 in Brooklyn, NY. My brothers, with their sick sense of humor, always said that she got a big bang out of her birthday every year. Grandma Eyrich, whose name was Christine-yes my middle name, and Maren's and Kaylin's-was so much fun. She loved to laugh and she loved my Grandpa so much. My grandma is the one who taught me how to crochet granny afghan squares. I made my first afghan when I was 16 years old (yes, ages and ages ago), and it is still in the linen closet here in Beaumont. Remembering those who have gone on before us brings a smile to my face as I remember the fun times we had together. I miss her but know we will be reunited again someday.

Here is my take on the 4th of July. I am a party pooper. Don't mind the barbecue, even cleaning up the kitchen. Drive downtown to watch the fireworks with the crowds, shoulder to shoulder? When the kids were little, we totally enjoyed it. Now, in the comfort of our own family room we can watch the fireworks from far away New York overlooking the Statue of Liberty or I can listen to the Boston Pops Orchestra playing patriotic music while fireworks are shot off in the sky. No claustraphobia--it is wonderful.

Our older children, however, have never grown up; and they love the idea of shooting the fireworks off themselves. Who needs downtown when you have "Uncle Marshall's cool place" (yes it is Aunt Shannon's place now, too). We had a great barbecue dinner (Kyle makes great steaks from what I understand--I don't eat them), I ate the chicken, Kyle made great pasta salad, Shannon and Marshall made delicious potato salad, and of course Maren made the cucumber salad. And who can forget the Lays potato chips.

By 8:30 everyone had disappeared and Eric and I celebrated (only kidding dear children and grandchildren--we love the noise) like we always do. On goes the TV. However, the kids and grandkids had a blast.

Emma and Hayes were with us for the fourth. Here they are with Braydon looking at the box full of lots of fireworks to shoot off.
You will notice from these pictures that Uncle Marshall is one cool guy according to all of his nieces and nephews.

I don't know what Braydon is holding and swinging. I wonder if it is lit. If he is anything like his daddy, Ryan, it is lit.

What a shot!! Sorry Marshall, I just could not resist putting this picture on here. If you look closely, though, you will realize that Braydon is standing in front of Marshall.
Braydon loves his mommy and loved spending the 4th of July with her. I am sure he is thinking, OK mom, thanks for the hug. Now let me get back to the fireworks.

Chad was there, too. Don't you love the hat? Jill Hayes was the one who provided the patriotic hat for him. He and Emma and Hayes spent some time with the Hayes family that day, too.

Ah, a shot from the side. Uncle Marashall helps Braydon look at a twirling firework. Isn't he a great Uncle? (You are too Uncle Kyle and Uncle Chad).

One firework and lots of people. Shannon's family went to Marshall and Shannon's place to help shoot off fireworks.
This was the day after the 4th. Poor Braydon, everyone went home and now he just lays on the couch watching a video. BORING!!

I know my blogs are out of order. But, hey, give me a break. At least I know how to blog. Happy 4th everybody, a little late.