the 4th on the 5th

I've discovered something

about myself

where picture taking is 

concerned.

It occurred to me during

Kierstin's dance recital a while back

that it would make such a wonderfully sweet

blog post.

Seriously...

how could I miss?

Well

I could miss out

by watching through a lens

rather than

sitting back and experiencing

taking in the moment

for my own selfish pleasure.

Since then I find

I am often without my camera

and must explain

with my mental lens

which has proven 

not to be the most reliable

albeit

the most enjoyable for me.

There you have it.

Staying in the now

if you will.

Or
as in this case
staying in the yesterday
where a small group gathered
for dogs and brewskis
Mom's newest fave
cheese and carrot casserole
Angella's
jalapeno pepper poppers in a bowl
AMAZING!
Cheesy potatoes that earned me a hug
from James.

A front yard

filled with leftover debris

from the fireworks show

that

had my boys (sans Josh)

running back and forth

from garage to yard

in batches of three 

with onlookers asking

Why don't you just bring them all closer?

To which James replied

Because we wouldn't want them to accidentally

catch on fire.

Seemed logical

especially in the light of past

mishaps.

Their efforts

yielded a few honks from

the cars passing by.

Apparently

the highest of praise.

Joe's final thoughts on the whole experience

I don't know what it is

but it is so cool

to  blow shit up.

Gasp!

Yes

he said the "s" word.

Boys!

As I wandered the yard

this morning with my camera in tow

I started

playing the rewind

in my mind

hearing the laughter

of goofy family stories that were told

and retold

to elicit the much expected response

from their audience.

The food

that was shared and enjoyed

and also created the

Oh...I'm stuffed

chorus

that it does each time we gather.

The plans.

Setting up the croquet course

unpacking the corn hole

tidying the patio and 

getting the cushions out for comfort

only to have 

first the humidity and then the rain

put a stop

to that

and Plan B was made...

sit inside and enjoy the air and food

and drink.

Did I mention 

laughter?

Storytelling?

Eating?

With the big finale...

sitting out in the cooler night

to watch 

the show.

Fireflies and fireworks.

Not before mom

had Rudy

go out and take the flag down...

she is a stickler to the patriotic rule

down at sunset...

or before...

whichever the case

Mom was there to assist in the

taking down

the proper folding

then unfolding because it got a bit damp

and I hung it to dry first...

never touching the ground 

of course!

One last picture.

Deserving to be last

since it was my last

all natural defense against the

dreaded 

blood suckers of the night.

My citronella plant.

Rain and mosquitoes

seem to get along just fine.

Plans.

Way over-rated.

Happy July 5th!