Fireworks, Jello, Family Reunion, and Grilling

Our family had to go separate ways today. We had planned to go to Jeff's Dad's family reunion all together, but Jeff had to take Madison and Patrick without Carter and me. We have both had sore throats with fever and coughing. It was hard to see them go, but I was just glad that my father-in-law would still have some of us there with his family. Also, I knew that Madison and Patrick would have a great time there. They always have fun water toys and slides to keep the kids cool and happy!

Carter was sad when I told him that we would have to miss the reunion, so I made it my goal, even though we were both sick, to make sure that he had a great day as well. We went to the store this morning to buy the stuff to make little patriotic jello desserts as well as strawberry shortcake. We also bought the juice and soda needed to made a cool patriotic drink. Thanks to http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/SchoolinRhome (School at Our Home) for posting this great idea!

We also bought some supplies to make little red, white, and blue windsocks. On the way home, we stopped at a firework stand and bought a small bag of "daytime" fireworks to pop during the day. Instead of being sad for missing out on all of the fun, Carter kept saying how happy he was to spend the day alone with me! I guess he doesn't get that very often. Oh, and we found "Dipping Dots", only made by a different company, at the grocery store. This is something that we always look for on vacation and usually spend too much eating...they are so expensive. Well, not anymore! This new brand, "Lil Bitz", tastes exactly like Dipping Dots. They are affordable and within reach! Yes, needless to say, we had some today!

Carter was so proud of the desserts that we made for the rest of the family. We didn't get around to making our windsocks because we spent so much time in the kitchen and outside popping our fireworks. Yes, we also did some resting since we are both trying to get well.

I surprised Jeff by offering to get the grilling started before he made it home. This is significant because I've never done the grilling on my own before. I felt like I was walking a little taller after having conquered that grill!! Now, it's on! There's no telling what I might find to throw on that thing now.

Jeff and the kids brought home more fireworks, so we popped them after dinner...quickly before the rain could ruin our fun! When we finished, we used our star cookie cutter to make "jigglers" out of some jello I had left over from our dessert. It wasn't as easy as they make it look on TV, but it never is :)! We still had fun doing it and ate every bite of it...with MORE Cool Whip.

Even though we had to split up for part of the day, we all had a wonderful 4th and was able to come back together and enjoy a fun evening. At one point today, I heard Carter telling Madison and Patrick how it is amazing that around a couple hundred years ago, on this date, that America was declaring independence. I felt so happy and excited at that moment knowing that my kids really "get" what this holiday is about...and appreciate it. It's great to pop fireworks and eat yummy food all day, but it means nothing if we forget what we are celebrating!