We put the kids to bed around 8:30 p.m. but the noise outside was so loud that there was no way they’d be able to sleep. I went out front to the driveway and saw the spectacle of lights in the sky, so I immediately ran in and got CootieGirl and CootieBoy from their beds to come watch. We had been standing out there for a few minutes watching when one of our neighbors (the mad drummer’s mom) came over to invite us to watch. Turns out, the closest fireworks were only three houses down. We walked into the backyard and found a BEAUTIFUL backyard (we coveted that backyard) filled with people on blankets and in lawn chairs watching the show. The homeowner had a large wagon set up in one corner where he and two buddies carefully lit off the wide array of fireworks. It was great! CootieBoy didn’t like the noise but he loved the lights. CootieGirl loved both the noise AND the lights AND the ability to run and dance and sing while they were going off.
Eventually I took CootieGirl home so she could finish the sparklers that we had brought out before heading to the neighbor’s house (that was the extent of the Cootie fireworks show). A few minutes later the big fireworks ended and Denis and CootieBoy came home. I handed CootieBoy a sparkler and he waved it around and then once it extinguished he promptly grabbed the hot end, burning his thumb and one finger. Denis took CootieBoy in to run his hand under water (that kid has had a rough couple of days) while CootieGirl and I finished the last of the sparklers.
I tell ya, between July 4, Halloween and Christmas our subdivision LOVES the holidays. Such a nice change of pace from NoNJ which seemed to lack the general holiday spirit for the most part. I think it’s the whole “subdivision” thing – there’s a real sense of community what with the pool, the book club, the events throughout the year. Can’t wait to see what else the place has to offer.
So glad you guys had a good 4th! I love that fireworks are legal here in NC, too… especially because we didn’t get to see the UNC fireworks last night.