Happy Fourth of July!

The 4th of July has always been Dave's most favorite holiday.   He states that growing up in California, fireworks were banned so when he moved to Missouri many years ago he celebrated the 4th with lots and lots of fireworks!

The first 4th I spent with Dave, Adam and Dustin was crazy!! I never saw so many fireworks. Dave was like a kid, it was so much fun watching the three of them. Every year up to last year was the same. We spent the fourth with various friends/family but Dave's excitement and joy was the same.  We had fun walking up and down all the aisles at the stores/tents picking and choosing which fireworks would give us the biggest bang and the best show of bright colors. FUN!!!

This year we spent with our good friends Mark & DeGee and their kids along with Mark's parents and another set of their friends.  The girls played games on the Wii or outside doing whatever teenage girls do! The grown ups talked. We had some delicious food and homemade ice cream!! Mmmm!!!

Gabriella with Alyssa and Lauren "dancing".

Hmmm! Aren't they all supposed to be doing the same move???

Later when it was dark it was time for the fireworks!! Last year Dave set off a few but this year he sat and watched with the rest of us.

Getting ready to set off the lantern!

Fountain

Dave thought this one looked like a palm tree!

We had a lot of fun but with the end came some caution in the darkness.  It is difficult even in this early stage for Dave in the dark even in a familiar place, something I forget.  Dave almost made it in through the sliding glass doors but was distracted by something someone said and ran into the door. I was busy getting all our stuff together and didn't notice. I feel bad for forgetting that even if we have been some place numerous times just a few small changes can be disorienting.  Different people, different circumstances and a late time schedule makes for some slight difficulties. He was very tired when we finally got home (just after 10 pm) and he had just a few little hiccups with the bedtime routine. Today, July 5th, was a day of resting for him. He skipped his painting class so he could recover from the activities. This is an adjustment for us. Dave was always a get up and go kind of person. He enjoys get togethers with family and friends and our plan is to continue but they may just need to be shorter in length.  (Dave did not get injured when he hit the door, he just has a small scratch.)

Monica