Happy Independence Day America!
Today is the day we have been waiting for all summer! Your family and friends will come together today to relax, barbecue, and play some Hill Billy Golf (my favorite of all backyard games). All the little kiddos are going to be begging their parents to take them to the firework stand in town so they can be pyromaniacs for the day (who am I kidding, at age twenty-one, I still beg my parents to take me to the fireworks stand). We chill out in the backyard of whoever generously volunteered to host the big 4th of July party, and they secretly hope that the children don't ruin their concrete with the Black Snake firework they set on fire or shoot a rocket firework through one of their windows.
It is a day for everyone to let loose and have fun, but also spend some quality time together...And also remember that it is the day America gained their Independence from England (everyone seems to forget about this part).
When it comes to the 4th of July, everyone has their own expectations of how they want the day to go. But I'm here to tell you that we all have something in common when it comes to this exciting day. Here are the 8 things we all look forward to on July 4th:
1. THE FOOD
I don't care who you are, when the 4th of July rolls around you are definitely thinking about what the food selection is going to be like at the big bash you are going to. If you got invited to multiple parties, then even better! You will be eating all day long, it's basically like a second Thanksgiving only with barbecued meat instead of an oven cooked turkey. I bet right now you are already thinking about the barbecued ribs that are getting ready to hit the grill in about point two seconds. I'm going to have to stop talking about this topic, my mouth is already watering!
2. Spending time with friends and family
Even if you just saw them yesterday, it feels good to all be together again! Ever since Memorial Day weekend, you have been looking forward to this big get together so you can reunite with some of your favorite people and for one day not get caught up in all the craziness of life. Today, you relax together and just enjoy each other's company!
3. The Weather
Today is the day that you are asking Mother Nature to keep her bad weather away. You want to be able to sit outside in the sun and not have to worry about picking your chair up and running to the nearest, driest location when an unexpected rain shower rolls through. Even if we need the rain, it is not welcomed on the 4th of July. WE DON'T GOT TIME FOR THAT! NOT TODAY!
4. Wearing your most patriotic clothing
If it is red, white and blue with stars or stripes on it, you bet I am wearing it on the 4th of July! This is the day that you save your childhood Old Navy flag shirt for (I see all you people trying to make those fit). As American's we have so much pride in our country and our flag, which means if you aren't wearing red, white or blue that day, then people tend to get a little judgmental. What country are you from anyway?
5. Chanting USA all day long
Besides the Olympics, this is the day that you can run around chanting USA to everyone you encounter. Again, we American's have so much pride in our country so to show case that, why not run around and chant at everyone you see today? It get's people excited and pumped up, like "yeah we are American's hear us roar!" Most likely they will start chanting with you, which becomes a fun game :)
6. Backyard games
Whether you make up your own games or play some hill billy golf, the 4th is always a good day to get everyone up out of their chairs and get some competitiveness going on. Yes, this day is relaxing, but what's better than playing boys vs. girls in a game of corn hole? These games get everyone involved and having a good time, which helps make the day even better!
7. Getting out of the house
Today is the day to NOT step foot in the house (unless you need to go to the bathroom or to grab some more food). We all look forward to spending the majority of the day outside, which goes back to the weather. We are cooped up inside all week due to work, so today is your day to enjoy the outdoors and what it has to offer. We all like to take advantage of that!
8. The ***FIREWORKS***
Fireworks are banned all year long in almost every town (which is a total bummer), but never fear! There are awesome firework shows happening all over! Even though the fireworks might scare some children and animals with the loud BOOM BOOM sounds going off, we all love to admire how pretty they can be! As for me, I start to wonder how these things are made and how somebody can create them to make a certain pattern in the sky? I usually just reason with myself to think magic is real and all fireworks are made at Hogwarts by Harry Potter himself :)
Oh how I love this holiday! No pressure of giving gifts or cards or money. Just hanging out with your favorite people, eating some amazing food, and watching beautiful fireworks take over the sky right before our heads hit the pillows. This day means many different things to many different people, but I think we all can agree that this holiday is pretty awesome!
Happy 4th of July everyone! Stay safe and try to keep a minimum on the sparkler fights, they could get to be a little dangerous! USA, USA, USA!!!
