This fourth of July we broke with our tradition of going to the beach. For one, the oil spill has kinda changed the landscape of Gulf Shores. But I am also doing things on the farm on my own these days and it is more difficult to break away so we stayed home.

My parents joined me, as did our friend Anne (above with kids). There was much talk of knitting and writing around the kitchen table. It sounded very much like my house! We made some crazy cupcakes that are our family’s traditional 4th of July baking project. I have to admit this year they were a real #FAIL. (Thank goodness they tasted great!) Some years they look like the Statue of Liberty’s torch, like they are supposed to, with real flames coming out the top. This year, it was a comical attempt, with the kids laughing at mom. They told me that mine looked like blood, like vampire’s cupcakes, or bad accidents and all sorts of unpleasant things. Most of the kids said things like, “Don’t put that stuff on mine!” So at least it was entertaining…

Later I took my little darlings downtown to see the fireworks. I wasn’t sure how this was going to go. We got there just at the end of the “Pops” concert.

They began by complaining about the music, the “weird music”. Then the didn’t like when the weird music stopped for intermission  before the fireworks began.

I absolutely adore having four kids! Here is what I heard in the next two minutes:

Don’t they have food? (from the child who had eaten 2 helpings of lasagna and a cupcake 30 minutes ago)
The grass is itchy!
Mom, why didn’t you bring chairs?
I’m thirsty!
I hear fireworks, but I can’t see them. Mom, we’re in the wrong place!
Mom, can I sit in your lap?
No, I want to sit in her lap!
I have to go to the bathroom!
When is it going to start?
We need a blanket to sit on.
Mom, I can’t see. That tree’s in the way.
Can I play in your purse?
Is there a gas station around here? I really have to pee.
Are you sure they don’t have food?
Mom, can I go over there?
Do you have any gum?
Quit poking me!
Mom, he’s poking me!

and on and on….

Once the fireworks started we moved to a different location.
We actually found a great spot, nestled at the bottom of the bluff, just to the side of a bridge, behind a bench. The view was a photographer’s dream. It was a steep incline, but fabulous.

And we got to watch the fireworks on an oddly cool summer’s night.

It was a Happy 4th of July. I hope yours was too.

Tell us. How did you spend your 4th this year?

I was inspired this week by this patriotic handspun yarn from Mona’s Etsy Shop.  Mona has a dog named Elvis and says that she spins and knits everyday so she sounds fabulous to me! Visit her Etsy shop, and while your there visit the Alpaca Farmgirl Etsy shop. (I always forget to tell you about it). You can also visit Mona on her blog, Knitting II.

Today is a bank holiday today. We’re all getting ready for the 4th of July tomorrow. I’m not going to bug y’all to participate in Fiber Arts Friday. But if you wanna share your fiber art, we wanna see it!

Fiber Arts Friday Blog Carnival!

To participate:

1. Add the permalink to a specific blog post that features something Fiber Art related, rather than your general blog address and not your Etsy store. (Please DO put a link in your blog post that takes us to your store though.)
2. Link back to Fiber Arts Friday from your post so that your readers can come and see everyone else’s projects! Use the button or a text link to http://www.alpacafarmgirl.com.
3. Visit as many of the other participants as possible and leave comments! That’s what helps us all connect!
4. Double-check to make sure your link works and goes to the right page so it doesn’t get deleted.