Well, another 4th of July is on the books. As I was driving home at 10:00 PM, leaving the party early because Ry was ready to go home, I couldn’t help but think about how my 4th of July’s used to be. I’ve been going out to the Clark’s Independence Day bash for a while now…well, as long as Andy and I have been together, so this would be my ninth year (except for the 1 year I was down in Cali)…so 8 years in all.
Ever since Rylee was born, it’s just been…well, different. Gone are the days of watching the fireworks until 1 in the morning, then staying up until 3 AM playing board games with friends. Not only does Ry need to get to bed, but I don’t think I’d even be able to make it until 3! Our friends who used to come every year have moved away or moved on. It’s amazing how things change as we get older. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss how the 4th of July’s used to be. I miss all of our friends being together, staying up late, laughing, retelling the same of stories again and again (and again).
But, at the same time, I love the day I had with my family today. Playing with Rylee on the teeter-totter, seeing her face drip with watermelon juice, watching her and her “Buddy!” pick up rocks from the driveway and toss them into the dog dish full of water, watching them chase each other around or holding hands, spending time with the “extended family”, reapplying sunscreen, watching Ry “brush it off” after her ump-teenth crash-and-burn. And quite possibly, best of all?…rocking her to sleep (because I never get to do that anymore).
Also, I must add a side-note. I had one of the BEST proud mama-moments yet…a non-biased 3rd party person commented on how cute of a TOM BOY Rylee is! Sa-WEET! Score one for the mama! That’s right…I don’t have a froo-froo little girly-girl…just ask the lady at the party…now if I only knew who she was…
I have been known to be a stick-in-the-mud-LER about Ry’s bedtime schedule, but this year, I eased up a bit and she got to experience fireworks for the first time! That only actually lasted about 10 minutes before she was ready to go, but hey, baby steps. She did however, totally dig the sparklers…
It’s hard to believe this was two years ago…
Post summary: Different in a good way.
super cute! i'm excited that you thought to put the clip on a hat – they work well on head bands too! (;i know what you mean about things changing as you get older – our beloved 4th of july tradition of hanging at our friend's lake house for the last 5 years was finally thwarted yesterday. we went but quickly realized it just wasn't practical with having poppy there – big dogs running around/she was the ONLY kid there, etc. kind of bummed but also excited to start our own traditions with our little family. (:lovely girl! i'm so excited to see her wearing one of my clips.cheers!