4th

I love the 4th of July

It is the most romantic of all holidays to me

maybe because

it is everyone you love

together

no gifts

no obligations

no expectations

This was my first 4th of July

ever

in Utah

and it was

'the best 4th of July EVER!'

as Holland said

maybe 43 times

And celebrating it in our little town

made it even more romantic.

The neighborhoods are lined with flags.

The park is packed with old friends

picnics, live music, bounce houses.

Even a 'Kids Parade'

Decorate your bike, your dog, yourself.

And Holland was in heaven.

Because doing the kids parade meant

she got to reunite with Giorgie.

And hold him the entire parade.

That smile did not leave for a second.

and I think Giorgie thought he was Grand Marshal.

Dancing to Neil Diamond

Laying on your back

with fireworks

bursting right over you

getting up early to run down the street

for a hometown parade

being pelted with more salt water taffy than you knew existed

playing at the pool

hiking to the waterfall

summer food

being with friends and family

That is romance to me.