Happy 4th of July

Today we are recovering from a festive 4th of July celebration. Until I met Pat, my family used to go downtown on the 3rd to watch the fireworks from the lake front. It was a well-orchestrated evening - we would pack up dinner, dessert, drinks and games and head downtown. When we got stopped by a red light on Lake Shore Drive we would all - except for my dad - jump out of the van with all of our stuff. We would then find a place on the lake front and one of us would go back to meet my dad - who would have parked the car very far west (ie, Wells) - and show him where we were. But Pat isn't a big fan of crowds and his friend, Pete, would have a party and then go watch the Park Ridge fireworks - so that is what we have been doing for the past 6 years (the first year we were engaged, I still went downtown). This year just Pat and Reagan went to the fireworks - Nola and I headed home to beat the cold and the bugs. And we go to watch the fireworks on TV - although it definitely is not the same.
In true Mulcrone family fashion, Reagan and Nola did not wake up until after 9:00 on the 4th! Our great neighbors took Reagan with their family to the Brookfield parade and we worked around the house and yard. She had a great time and we were then ready for our party.
Reagan loved being the hostess - no kid was here for more than 2 minutes without her giving them a juice box - and then drinking it herself if they weren't interested. Nola was enjoying herself as well - trying to climb on her friend, Ella and then convincing Grandpa John to take her back outside after I had brought her in. After our party-goers left we headed to the North Riverside fireworks with Grandma Jane and Grandpa John. Luckily, my cousin Alyson lives in the right part of Riverside, so we were able to park in her driveway and walk a short distance. We saw both Berwyn and North Riverside's shows and enjoyed hanging out with our cousins. Reagan was having fun with Cassidy, Colin & Nolan while Nola was content to be held by Ann and enjoy her first fireworks show!
Today we are recovering - or trying to. But so glad that we can start fun traditions for our girls. And I know there will come a year when I will get to take them downtown on the 3rd and I think they will enjoy it just as much as I always did!