We're almost where your family is as far as everyone having collective "ooo"s and happy eyes. Luigi LOVES fireworks now and we have the in-laws over and blow up our own fireworks instead of going to a community show. Mario, at 3 1/2, is just understanding the whole fireworks thing. He played with pop-its and watched our fireworks for a little while, but after plugging his ears for a half hour, he and I went inside to read stories and he made me lay in his room with him until he fell asleep. While I missed the fireworks, i know that this is probably the very last time that he will prefer cuddling and giggling with me instead of the Big Show. I relished every minute of the evening. I saw a few Groundhogs (little round wizzy bursts of light that spin themselves dizzy on the street - my favorite), Bowser saved the Big Box for me after Mario fell asleep, and Luigi prattled on about how much he helped light the fuses this year.

Happy Independence Day, MPJ!!! Just knowing you is a kind of freedom for me. Knowing you AND being women who live in a country where we can write whatever the hell we feel like writing? Precious liberation.

P.S. I have to ask - how does Austen feel about fireworks?

happy independence day!