Probably my favorite day of the year...

The 4th of July has probably always been my favorite day of the year. This is the day that always had the biggest celebration growing up. Why, you might ask? Well, today is the day my Grandpa was born on way back in 1907. Each year was a big event, probably because practically my entire childhood it seemed the ambiguous 'everyone' thought it was going to be one of the last years my Grandpa Sparks lived. Turns out he had 'everyone' fooled for years. So, this is how the 4th of July usually went for me:

7:00am- flag raising at the church followed by hot chocolate and the most delicious homemade cinnamon rolls on the planet. *Now you all know why hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls on the 4th of July has been an obsession of mine even when I moved to warmer climates.

9:00am- Chaos in the house due to sugar highs and excitement of heading to my aunt and uncle's house. All while my mom made sure the potluck food was ready and my dad had the four wheelers loaded.

Around 3:00pm or so- We head to Aunt Louanna's and Uncle Dick's house. Where there were plenty of things to do. Horse rides, riding the four wheelers, games, exploring, joking with my grandpa, talking to relatives, or dares to touch the electric fence. There was always a big fire and lots of food to eat. All my cousin's from my Dad's side of the family were there and we had a blast. At the end of the night after Birthday celebrations we would have fireworks. Eventually we would load up and head home.

I have many great memories of the 4th of July and hope I can give my children similar memories. Today they are making their own memories with their Ya ya and Papa. A parade where people throw candy at you (this is a very important detail for Cohen), swimming, food, and fireworks. They get to spend time with cousins and family. This year I am glad they are there even though my heart aches to be with them, but let's be honest, fireworks were canceled here in San Antonio, I have gestational diabetes (so no cinnamon rolls or hot chocolate, besides it is 100 degrees) and can hardly move with being almost 31 weeks pregnant with triplets, PLUS Ian is at work until who knows when. They are definitely having a much better time there!
Here is a snipit of my brother-in-law singing the national anthem at the Chiefs game in January. We are proud of him. He has served two tours in Iraq. My Grandpa Sparks was also a military man and fought in World War II.