Fourth of July

This Fourth of July was on the day we drove back from our trip to Petoskey.  We were tired and worn out from our vacation, but I was determined to take Ainsley to see my favorite local fireworks display.

Our family has always gone down to see the Saginaw Fireworks from a location across the river from Ojibway Island.  I've also attended the Bay City Fireworks, but always find them to be a little dull.  There's just a special place in my heart for the Saginaw Fireworks.  

Ainsley didn't even remember the fireworks from last year, so we definitely needed to go this year.  Durham isn't a fan of loud noises as of yet, so Tim offered to stay home with him while Grammy, Papa, Mama, and Ainsley went down to the Saginaw Fireworks.  

The whole thing was just delicious.  It's nice to tool around Frankenmuth most of the year, but I NEEDED to get back to the throngs of people who don't have money for gym memberships.  People who ENJOY shopping at their local Walmart.  People who say "yer" and "gunna".  These are my people.  

It was everything I could remember.  We walked in.  My father led the way to the spot he felt was perfect.  He ignored my mother three times as she offered other not-so-perfect spots.  It was just like old times.  

We set up our chairs, people watched, went for walks, illegally urinated in alleys.  It was superb.  

Ready to people watch.  

Ainsley was super impressed by a number of "Rapunzel" lights that were launched into the air.  

I was super impressed by the near carnivorous roars of the crowd after each illegal firework was launched from areas close to small children running around in their pajamas.   

I am not even being facetious about this.  I LOVE THIS STUFF.  This is what the fireworks is all about.  

Starting the wait with a little sugar.  

Look at THAT one!

"That light is going up to play with Wrigley!"

Grammy bought glow necklaces.  Both Grammy and Papa took Ainsley for walks.  


We had brough sparklers, but had no lighter to get them started.  Not to worry!  The people sitting just to our right were smoking up a storm.  They graciously allowed us to use their lighter.  We lit and watched a few sparklers.  Ainsley was unsure as to what she was supposed to do with this burning stick.  She mostly sat and stared into the glowing light.   

Now what do I do?  

Hold this burning stick.
BUT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO YOU TOUCH THE END!

The fireworks started.  My father, as is typical of every fireworks, would occasionally say, "Up...UP...WAY UP THERE!"  

After which, Ainsley would say, "Up...UP...WAY UP THERE!"  

It was nearly too much for my heart to handle.  By the end of the fireworks, Ainsley was very tired and kept asking me to turn her coat into a pillow.  She fell asleep on the stroller ride home.  

"Way up there, Papa!"

Ready to crash.

It was a wonderful night.