Reflections on the 4th

We had a great 4th of July this year despite Gavin showing me up...more on that later.

The day started with my masochistic brother-in-law making a tee-time for 6:30 a.m. Of course I like golf just enough to drag my sorry butt out of bed at that hour to go. I'm glad I did...I played the round of my life. I actually had a legit birdy and a few pars.

Following golf, we headed to the parade to absorb solar radiation and get pelted with candy. After the parade, we headed to the park. Richfield has a tradition called the "fish grab". They set up three pools each about 25' x 25' big and about 1' deep. They release a bunch of fish into them and let kids go for them with their hands. It was a mad house. I couldn't even see Gavin. I knew he went in, and pretty soon here he comes packing this huge fish through the crowd. He was so proud and is happy to remind me that it's bigger than any fish he's ever caught with me.



We then went to Brandi's parents' house for the traditional picnic/barbeque/drenching. They have a huge water fight every year. At one point, there we people on the roof of the house with hoses. They take their water fights serious.

After the water fight, it was home to change and then to Brandi's grandparents' house for fireworks. The live right by where Richfield City sets off their fireworks, so the whole family converges on their lawn come night fall. They put on a good show this year.

We decided to wait until the following night to light off our own fireworks because then the neighbors wouldn't be expecting loud bangs and screams at 11 p.m. We even had one neighbor join in with the illegal stuff. We had dogs howling and things shooting in the air and exploding up until well after 11 p.m. It was sweet, although our other neighbors may not speak to us again.

Anyway, we had a great 4th this year.