Town Fireworks for the 4th

It's Friday the 29th and our town celebrated the 4th with the fireworks.

Now, I live in a pretty large town it's actually township because it encompasses several smaller towns.  At one time we all had different zip codes but now most of the township is under one.


The town has grown quite a bit since I was a child.  I remember going to the local high school and they did the fireworks on the back field where I would later learn my marching band drill.  Back then it seemed like the entire town could park any which way and see the fireworks.


Apparently the town does not have one spot big enough to not only park all the people but also do the fireworks from a safe area so they chose the location of our intermediate school.  The only parking there was for VIP, vendors and the handicap.  The officer told me I could try to find parking in the local development but I figured the buses would be the easier choice.


We went to the high school, a site I think I've barely been back since I graduated.  A parking lot was where I once stood outside my science class to watch a solar eclipse.  The school is immense!


We quickly got on our way and got to the fireworks.  Neither of us had money and of course they were selling food, water, popcorn and TOYS.  My kids got all pouty when I told them no but we had NO CASH at all.  Nothing.  In a way, I was kinda glad because they'd get another glow stick or wand that would break then they would be sad.  They have to learn we can't buy something every time we go somewhere.  It gets expensive times 3!


We had to keep them entertained for a good hour.  The middle one started to say she was sleepy.  The youngest just wanted to run.  Boy was it crowded so we picked a spot on the side near the bathrooms.  (Got kids....must use bathroom.)  


Thankfully they put up testers a few times and the kids were so psyched.  


When the fireworks finally started my older ones were THRILLED.  


My younger one, NOT SO MUCH!  Real tears streamed down his face and he was shaking.  He kept telling me, "I want to go home" or "I want to go to bed".  I took him to the tent where he'd tell me he'd want to see but they were too loud.  I missed most of the fireworks walking my son around the food tent.  


Then it ended and I was surprised with the speed my husband came over.  I had visions of being trampled by the crowd in the dark.  Luckily they had emergency lights to help.  Getting out was not easy.  Try holding a child in each hand while the significant other has the other child.  We were trying to stay together and people were cutting through.  My kids seemed SO little among all the people. 


We had to find our bus and we JUST MISSED getting on the first bus.  Then my middle one says, "I need to go potty" so we walked ALL THE WAY BACK to the outdoor potties.  Of course she didn't WANT to go so my husband had to almost force her.  We went back for the buses and were able to get on - after a fright that we could be separated!


I was surprised at the people seriously PUSHING to get on the bus.  I know we all want to get on but my kids were being pushed around.  You'd think that at a nice town event people would be a bit more calm and understanding.  No, it was like every man for himself.  You'd think they were giving something out free on the bus.  I guess it was the exhaustion after a long, hot time at the fireworks but still.....


All in all it was a good night.  Two out of 3 kids will be talking about it for a while.  One might have nightmares.      

Summer Fun List 2012

Calling it a bucket list sounds morbid so I've decided I will do a SUMMER FUN LIST.  I want to provide my children with opportunities over the summer to embrace and enjoy their childhood.  I plan to revisit this page over the summer and hopefully add pictures as well.  It will be a nice way to document their summer!  

I am lucky enough to have started my own Kindermusik business so that I can mix my passion for teaching music and still have time to be with my family.

1.   Caught Lightning Bugs (Fireflies)
2.   Went to an ice cream sundae party
3.   Played in the "water park pool"

4.   Had a picnic lunch and played at the playground

5.   Rides and games at the local carnival

6.   Won a fish at the local carnival

7.   Joined the library's summer reading program
8.   Rode bikes
9.   Drank milkshakes
10. Made a Stepping Stone
11. Played with Hula Hoops
12. Walked the dog

Summer Shopping!

Today was the first shopping trip of the summer with ALL 3 KIDS.  


Part of me was very anxious - How would they act?  Would I be able to control them?  Will they listen?
The other part of me was eager!  We all have to go to stores and it's a great learning experience.

I think the anxiety and worry was winning but I stayed positive and we headed out to the store.  I reminded them to behave.

Sadly the car shopping cart was taken but my youngest wanted to be in the cart.  Fine.  We got our scanner which allows you to scan your groceries and bag them while you shop - WHICH IS THE BEST INVENTION EVER!!!!!

My youngest had springs on his feet.  Up and down, up and down.  I was envisioning him flipping over the cart.  Every two seconds I had to call his name when we stopped and have him sit.  He wanted to walk but thought running away was more fun.  Luckily he likes to hold hands so he held my oldest daughter's hand.  at times all 3 of them held hands.  It was kinda cute.

We managed to get everything on my list and a few extra things, OF COURSE!

My kids are outgoing, vocal and energetic.  They ask me questions about everything.  What's this?  How does that work?  Why is that like that?  Where is that?

I definitely encourage it because 2 of my 3 have speech issues.  I share with them what we are looking for.  We talk to about why we buy what we do.  We count.  We point out colors.  We talk about the things we see.  We greet other customers.  

It probably sounds like a real chaotic family because the produce guy said, "I guess you might be done having kids?"

Thing is, I enjoyed myself.

I use to stress because I wanted the kids to behave a certain way.  I use to worry about how other people saw us.  Maybe I sounded too strict or mean?  Then one day I just realized that I didn't CARE what they thought.  Yes my kids are active and talkative.  I enjoy every minute of it.

The store is such a great learning experience and even if it does create a bit of anxiety, they learned so much today.  They said new words, met new people, used their manners and got out of the house.

Rushing through the tasks of the day and hurrying them along just makes everyone frustrated.  I try to stay calm and enjoy the teachable life lessons.  It makes me appreciate them so much as I watch them grow and learn.

AND - I SURVIVED SHOPPING WITH 3 KIDS AGES 5 & under!