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?

For the 4th of July we took a mini vacation and went to the beach. My son and daughter played on the dunes as the sun went down. These two are thick as thieves. Inseparable.

We love the gulf coast beaches because the sand is like sugar. It doesn’t burn your feet when you walk like the sand we had in Fort Lauderdale. This is Gulf Shores Beach in Alabama (sometimes referred to as “the Redneck Riviera”) Redneck or not, we love playing on these gorgeous sandy dunes!

Life on the farm is fun, but it’s great to take a break and spend the weekend somewhere different. It helps recharge our batteries and prevent “burnout”. Days like these are priceless.

Hope you all had a Happy 4th of July!

This post was shared in Beautiful Life Moments on The Inspired Room Blog.