In our corner of Alabama, my in-laws’ Fourth of July party is a biennial celebration complete with fireworks, laughter, and enough food to feed a marching band. But this year, we kicked things off the day before with a brand-new tradition: making the homemade ice cream ourselves. Usually, the churn duty falls to the seasoned pros in the family—but this time, we rolled up our sleeves and took the reins (and the rock salt).
We arrived around noon, the house already buzzing with my nieces and nephews and some of their friends darting in and out. The charcuterie boards were nearly picked clean. Not too long after we got there, LA work up from her nap with her rosy cheeks, looking quite festive in her red, white, and blue.
Before too long LA got suited up and ready for a dip in the baby pool.
LA played in the pool with her first cousins once removed. Rob’s sister’s kids…
They’re only 7 or 8 month apart!
LA was over the water, but she was happy to go hang with her Pop for a bit.
Time to get out of that swim suit and back into dry clothes…almost time for another nap.
By four o’clock, the second wave had arrived—Alex and Madison pulled in just as my niece Elly came strolling through the doorway, ready to hit the slide. The grill got fired up not long after, sending waves of smoke and sizzling promises into the air. Suddenly, the day hit full swing: cousins reunited, burgers flipping, and the yard buzzing with continued excitement. The water slide never outwears its welcome.
Look closely…Did you know they make ear muffs for dogs?? He was ready for the fireworks.
As twilight settled in, the little pool quieted down and the real sparks got underway. The kids got their moment first—sparklers fizzing in their hands, bottle rockets whooshing skyward—all under Uncle Rob’s careful supervision. When the grown-ups stepped in, our guys made sure every firework flew safely, keeping a watchful eye while lighting up the night one boom at a time. It was loud, bright, and the perfect ending to a day full of joy.
Just precious! LA is getting so big! What a cutie! Looks like a fun day!
That sounds like a perfect 4th of July celebration!