[Egads! Where is my brain?! I forgot to mention I'm now a monthly contributor at Not Dabbling in Normal. You'll see me there the first Wednesday of every month. You can find my intro post here.]
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Zeb had the “4th o’ July” signs written and hung weeks ago. Welcome signs, signs for the bathroom (should’ve seen the picture of the guy on the toilet!) and for the food. For a child without formal lessons, he’s become quite efficient at spelling.
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We celebrated Hawaiian-style, complete with flower leis, sarongs, grilled satay, and Bahama Mama’s for this mama. Justin had a batch of homebrewed beer ready to share and everyone enjoyed the sunflowers and other plants in our garden as the tropical backdrop to our party.
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I most enjoyed seeing all our Life Learning kids running around with lighters and playing with fire. 
Justin put Zeb in charge for the first time this year and he took his responsibility seriously. They took turns lighting and running and playing with sparklers and other explosives. They rode bikes and scooters and played with water guns and swords. They were in and out and around the house and yard all night. Not sure about letting kids play with fire? Check this out: Five Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Kids Do
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After the party, some of the boys stayed for a sleepover. And crashed wherever they found a spot! When Justin moved Zeb’s friend from the coffee table to the couch, he woke up long enough to smile and joke he was only resting his eyes. They were all so happy and funny, cracking jokes right ’til they fell asleep!
Overall, we had a blast talking with family and friends and watching the kids – ages 18 months to 14 years old – laugh and play so well together. I helped the younger kids explore our home safely and we all shared in the fun as the older kids melded, shared and played together easily. It was so inspiring to celebrate our nation’s freedom by watching our happy children interact freely. The world relies on happy and confident children like these!
Fireworks are most definitely NOT green or sustainable. But it is exciting to read about the new technology working to make fireworks greener and less toxic. And although we did our part by purchasing reusable decorations and recycling, the 4th of July is certainly our most eco-sinful holiday. The greener option would be to watch a public show but Justin insists on very little and Independence Day is his favorite. At least this year it was the neighbors who lit a palm tree on fire and not us! :O
How was your 4th of July? Safe and playful, I hope!
Wow, sounds like a fabulous party! What lucky kids!
The pic of the kids is too cute!
So thrilled you’re going to be contributing to Not Dabbling In Normal!
Your last sentence made me laugh. We always watch the public shows and what others bring to the street. I’ve only played with a sparkler once, at my friends house when I was a teenager (and even those were illegal where we lived in So. CA).
I’ve shared that link too (5 dangerous things…). When children aren’t allowed (in other words TAUGHT HOW) to do potentially dangerous things they won’t develop the skills to deal with them safely.
I love the image of the boys asleep – especially seeing the boy asleep on the coffee table!
I have to say that one of my very favorite things about my boys’ is all the signs they post around the house…just like your son! A real way to express their writing and excitement for an event!
Oh and that photo of the kiddo’s landing wherever and falling asleep…AWESOME!