A Lovely Fourth
This Fourth of July was so easy, breezy, and fun. Our neighborhood pool has a celebration every year, and that is always how we spend our Independence Day. They have games like water balloon toss, and traditions like “biggest splash award” and “best trick award” and a greased watermelon game between the lifeguards and adults over 17. The pool water was cool and refreshing (many years it feels like bath water!) and we had a great time hanging out, eating popsicles and pizza with family and friends.
Then we hosted our weekly Sunday Night Dinner potluck-style with burgers and fixins along with Pioneer Woman’s potatoes au gratin, macaroni and cheese, creamed corn, baked beans, deviled eggs, and watermelon. We played some corn hole and then trekked over via golfcart to another friend’s house in the neighborhood for patriotic cookies, rootbeer floats, and plenty of fireworks that our teen boys managed. It was what I love the 4th to be: simple, delicious, celebratory, and communal.
One of the kids who spent the day with us said that his mom would be in bed by 8 and his dad would be watching TV. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I am happy though to be a space for celebration, for conviviality, for offering food and drink and belonging. I get one short life, and my calling is to make space for people. They have their contributions to the world, and this is mine. I love how we all play a role, using our gifts and desires to serve in whatever capacity that looks like.
Today I am resting. All my teens work today, and my husband is doing yard work for some people. Tonight my younger boys go to a birthday party. I am going to catch up on laundry, read, and possibly go enjoy the pool some more. I will continue to enjoy my red + white + blue decorations and fix an easy dinner. I hope your weekend was filled with good things!
Aimee