So, this weekend I’ve been thinking enviously of small towns across America (and Independence Days of my childhood) celebrating the 4th with parades, parties and pomp while I’m here in Los Angeles where that is in limited supply. As a tradition-fanatic, this has been hard for me. But, as it turns out, it doesn’t take a block party or a parade to make the holiday, you just have to make it your own and appreciate what the holiday means.

So, what did we do to with our holiday? Mark found album art for his vast music collection, Britton read books and played with his toys and generally kept us running around all day. Good thing we have a small place! I caught up on housework and made my obligatory “holiday sugar cookies” since I have a Star cutter now. (See, it’s that tradition thing coming out again, though the 4th is a newly acquired holiday. I’m usually too busy or not around or didn’t have a cutter for it.) Brit thought it was an excellent time to practice his drums though. He can even do it laying down.

We had burgers for dinner from our Dream Dinners, I made beans and corn on the cob. Then we headed out to Culver City for fireworks. We’d debated going downtown near USC, but Brit was already acting tired, so that was definitely a no-go.

They were at Culver City High School and we set up our blankets outside the bleachers and all the “stuff” going on inside because 1. I knew Brit wouldn’t want to sit still and I’d worry about him falling through the bleachers (and Mav) 2. We had a perfectly good view where we were, and 3. Mark said it was crowded in there.

A band was playing and Brit couldn’t hold still

With Wondering Awe….