Woznation

We had a great 4^th of July! I altered expectations given last years experience (REF: Last 4th ). We didn’t attempt to keep kids up for fireworks, or change nap times to go to parades, and everyone was much happier. Even though there were hurricane-like winds the night before, the actual 4^th of July turned out to be a beautiful day! We headed over to Fort McHenry after Evies morning nap:

It was so gorgeous! I couldn’t believe we hadn’t made it here before. This is where Francis Scott Key wrote the star-spangled banner and its a huge landmark in Baltimore. They had solider/cannon reenactments:

And tunnels:

ECHOOO:

Funny story – we were watching the re-enactment when Phil and Wilek found the tunnel up above and they went to explore while Evie and I finished watching the show. Well, father and son starting YELLING AND ECHOING in the tunnel – which is great fun – except that it was SO LOUD while these poor high-schoolers were trying to recite their lines to the crowds of people. I had to leave evie amongst the crowd and run down to the tunnel to get them to stop. It was hilarious. I was dying laughing.

We also found a boat!! Wil loved playing around on, but it was quite windy:

We made it home for nap time, gaming and lunch – for whatever reason, I always feel like 4^th of july calls for corn on the cob, green beams, and watermelon (not pictured), and I would have preferred a hot dog – but we had pork chops on hand:

When everyone woke up, we went and explored harbor east for a little while. Phil attempted to find us some sparklers but nowhere reasonable sold them and we weren’t about to drive out to a firework super store. Wil was happy enough with his little flag:

We finished the evening off by listening to battle hymn of the republic, stars and stripes and watching old you-tube videos of fireworks.

I definitely was an old fuddy –duddy this year and was more upset with the young kiddos outside STILL setting off fireworks at 11pm and possibly waking up my children, rather than partaking in the fun. Its kind of sad to be on ‘the other side’ of fun holidays like this. I have no doubt that in a few years we’ll be back to having fun. But for now its easier to try to keep the status quo. We had a nice day with happy, well-rested children, and a new activity. It was great.