Red, White and Blue

Having only arrived back in Utah the night before Xaine and I were already feeling the effects of the dry air, our Floridian humidity enriched skin was beginning to look like the cracked surface of the Atacama Desert. Fearing that we would shrivel into nothingness it was Aunt Bubba to the rescue with two jumbo sized ‘spray bottle fans’. With a few recuperative spritzings of H2O and a couple bottles of water it was off to the Layton Park to enjoy the 4th of July festivities. During the parade, and being the protective father I am, you would never hear me encourage Xaine go beyond the police tape, run out into the road before the next Float, Band, Football team or Cheerleader squad to grab pieces of candy taffy which didn’t make it into the crowd. Nope never would I do that… “Run Xaine Run!”…

With the passing of the last float we walked through a myriad of overly prices bobble shops where Xaine acquired a switch blade comb (him hair look berry nice). Alma (my oldest son) was able to join up with us at this time and the boys exerted their energies on the Bungee Runner, racing through the Obstacle course and seemed to get great enjoyment from pummeling one another at Joisting (let the sibling rivalry begin).
As the time swiftly passed soon we found ourselves BBQing at my folks with the gang (like the good ol days). We all caught up on the happenings of our lives. This took a lengthy 2 minutes seeing how we all read one another’s Blogs. Lucky for us we have our children to keep us going. It was amazing to see our 6 boys and 1 girl playing together. They laughed, they cried, us parents sat back and observed the youthful interactions… it was great.
Full of good food and libation it was back to the park to secure a spot for the Fireworks. Finding a place wasn’t too difficult as the sight of our gang moved the crowd already in place like the parting of the Red Sea. Comfy Cozy on our blankets we chilled and enjoyed healthy snacking (no.. we adults were not trying to toss Swedish Fish into one another’s mouths or pelting each other with the Mike and Ike’s). With the sun now set the sky was filled with vibrant colors and echoing blasts. Being an all powerful 5 year old Xaine tried calling out the order he felt the fire work colors should be presented “RED.. now PURPLE.. now ORANGE…”. Bursts and Bangs of the finally heightened the number of Oohs, Aahs and O,s! (and an occasional “to infinity and beyond” from Alma). One final “KABOOM” and the skies darkened by smoke and ash conclude this Patriotic and Family/Friend filled day.