July 4th with Kids: Check Your Expectations

Watching the fireworks with children: it sounds like a good idea, doesn't it?

It is a good idea,and it makes a beautiful memory...

of sorts.

I'd like you to experience the fireworks with my family.

Just for fun, read this post twice for two very different experiences.

#1 the Ideal Experience

Read the words only in bold, and enjoy the beautiful pictures. Wonderful, isn't it?

#2 The Real Deal

Now browse the posts again and read the actual kid commentary.

This is what it is like, with the audio track!

(I wish I could include the pokes and prods and climbing on and off my lap too, but you'll have to imagine that part.)

A boy and his boat

waiting for the big show

Is it starting yet? Why not?

Can we go out in the boat?

What time is it going to start?

What are those red lights over there? What’s a flare? I want a flare- where can we get one?

Now is it going to start?

Hold my hand, mommy.

Isn't it pretty?

Are not! Are too! Are NOT! Are TOO!

(What, guys?)

Fireworks are lightning, aren’t they mom?

(no)
Yeah well the moon is a firework, too.

Nuh-uh! Nuh- HUH!

Mommy can I go get that flare?

When am I going to get another hair cut?

I see one!

Is it over yet?

If a firework hits you, then you die.

Mom do you die, or do you just get your face blown off?

Or a leg or a head?
Haha, you’re gonna get your head blown off!
No I am NOT!

I don’t like the loud ones

I like the loud ones!
That one made my heart jump!

Mommy I’m scared can I snuggle you?
Mommy I’m not scared any more, so she can snuggle you now.

NO, I said it first!

Don't push me! I might fall off the dock!

Ooohhh 

I’m tired. Is it over yet?

Maybe you should just go to sleep on the dock.

No, I want my warm soft bed.

Was that thunder? Are fireworks thunder?

All of them are my favorite.

Can we go out on the boat?
Those people are out on a boat. Can we go out on the boat, too?

Someday can we have a boat and go out on it?

Is it over? Maybe they  had to stop for a minute so they could go buy some more.

Can we go out on the boat?

Ahhhh

Is that a tranatula on the dock?

Can I go catch some lightning bugs?
When I'm older I'm going to have a boat....
and I will go OUT in my boat.
I can’t catch the lightning bug. Will you catch one for me mom?

Be careful on the dock.

Don’t push!
I don’t want to jump in after you tonight!

A floating lantern like in Tangled! Do we have a lantern? Why not? Can we go buy one?

I want a lantern too! 

I want a flare!

Mommy, did you see that?

Hey that bird’s flying right through the fireworks!

I bet he’s like, “Hey guys, watch this!” to his friends.

(Marcus sit DOWN!)

Is it over yet?

Can we go to bed now?

YES.

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A beautiful memory, indeed. 

Without the audio track.

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Do you take your children to watch the fireworks? 

What is it like?

New series coming soon:

If you've got it, flaunt it!
Our weakness, His strength.

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