Why I Like the 4th of July
initially i was going to simply post a photo of a flag and say ‘happy 4th of july.’ then i happened upon that trusty facebook and saw a post from a friend (hi marilyn!) and she had a list of why she likes this holiday! i was inspired so here is why i like the 4th of july:
- it is satisfying to see how many cheesy-yet-awesome american flag printed things one can wear
- this is one of the only holidays that doesn’t involve buying loads of unnecessary gifts for people
- it makes it feel like summer is officially here
- the smell of BBQs everywhere you go is comforting (unless you are a vegetarian)
- we get to celebrate the past and present people who have fought to make and keep our country free (thank you all who have served, are serving and will serve)
- the art of writing your name in sparklers is enhanced on this day
- the freedom i have as a woman in this country in one of the best in the entire world (though we still have a ways to go)
- though there are many things that need to be changed in this country, i am still grateful to have the privilege of being an american citizen
- s’mores (all that needs to be said)
- it always makes me think of summers at my grandparents’ lakehouse in iowa (1/4 of the family celebrating in our matching shirts circa 2008)!
no – we aren’t in middle school but rather college and looking quite young. please also note our ‘matching relationships bracelets.’ i made us these from the beginning our relationships until we got engaged! it was also during this trip (we had been dating for about a year) when he told my nana he was going to marry me. awww! sure enough, later that month – he proposed!
the “corn kings” are always the hit of the small town parade through panora, iowa – though apparently they hail from “jamaica, iowa”)!
- the excessive watermelon consumption
- fireworks (and thankfully our dog loves watching them)
- it’s a day to spend with family and friends celebrating america!
if you are american, what is your favorite part of this national holiday?
Claire
July 4, 2016 at 8:52 am
Happy July 4th from your neighbour in Canada!!
Heck yes to s’mores, sparklers and name writing (that made me smile because it is so true!! haha) and of course to the smell of BBQ’s everywhere.
Yay to summer and to great countries!!
chelsea
July 6, 2016 at 10:51 am
yay and happy canada to YOU on friday, claire 🙂
cheers indeed to happy summers in good countries!
Rachel G
July 4, 2016 at 5:10 pm
I haven’t always been around to celebrate, but those small town parades are totally my favorite thing to do on the 4th of July. Angel always worked on the holiday (because as far as working holidays goes…it’s at least better than working on Christmas), so I would join up with my uncle’s family and go to a parade with them. Fun times!
chelsea
July 6, 2016 at 10:52 am
me too rachel! i love a small town parade – they are so sweet and well attended! bummer that angel had to always work but you are right – way better than working christmas!
glad you could join in with your family and get in some quality parade time!
Audrey
July 5, 2016 at 9:03 am
I love the list idea 🙂 You guys certainly do look like babies in those pictures!! Haha!
I’m glad Sugar is a fan of the fireworks. Enzo isn’t bothered by them either. We sat on the back porch and he stared at the ones we could see from the local park. Lylee really dislikes them. She did better this year, though! 🙂
chelsea
July 6, 2016 at 10:53 am
it’s so funny to look at that photo and then realize we were not in middle school (though my husband totally looks like he could be!) so sweet that enzo watches the fireworks too! poor lylee – glad it was a little better this year but i feel for those pups (and kids) that don’t like them!