Red, White & Boom!

This is the first year that we have taken Connor and Lex to see Red, White & Boom.

Kevin and I used to go every year, and we would get a spot right in the middle of approximately 1 million other people, so that we would be up close and personal with the fireworks and booming soundtrack. But we didn't think that was something that we were ready to do with the kids.

So this year, we decided to find a nice spot at a park that has a great view of downtown.

Self-portrait at Red, White & Boom!

We went with our friends and family. In fact, both sets of grandparents came along! We set up a canopy for shade, brought a few tables and chairs, coolers, toys, grills, food...you name it, we probably brought it. We even brought along a space shuttle and launch pad!

What does he think he is going to accomplish?

Wendy made star-shaped fruit salad

Kevin met us at the park after work.

Glow sticks! Glow necklaces! Glow bracelets!

I loved watching the fireworks from the park. It wasn't the same as seeing them from the riverfront downtown, but it was perfect for our family. We had plenty of space to ourselves, and the kids could run around. There was a playground and plenty of bathrooms. We had a clear view of the fireworks, and while we were close enough for good booming sound effects, we weren't too close for the kids' ears. We could still hear one another talk over the noise. I think we will probably watch Red, White & Boom from the same spot next year, even taking the traffic to get out of the parking lot at the end of the night into consideration.