So yesterday got off to a bang at about 2:30am.  No, not over-eager fireworks enthusiasts.  No, not stray suburban bullets from those scary Iowa toughs. No, we were treated to what I can only describe as a bed-shaking, ear-shattering, pants-wetting, chung-chung-chung. 

I’ve heard transformers blow before, but this one must have teleported to a spot right outside our bedroom window just in time to be hit by lightning.  Only, it wasn’t just one transformer, it was a bunch - 1100 people in our town started the day without power, and we were 5 of them.

 Of course, being a holiday, the power company was short staffed.  And being in one of the less…er…prioritized areas of town, we didn’t get power back until 11am.  Funny how those in the northern (more expensive) neighborhoods were up and running by 9:30am at the latest.

But we didn’t let that stop us!  We went to a surprisingly lame parade, where Queenie was forced out of the candy zone by kids who were actually going so far out into the street as to block the parade.  And it wasn’t just kids, it was their parents, standing inches from the marching bands and snatching the candy that strayed as far as Queenie’s feet.  Next year we’d like to skip it, but I fear Queenie loves parades. Even the kind attended by rude people.

The day got infinitely better from there however, with restored power, backyard swimming, carnival rides, and BBQ.  Some friends were missed, but we were blessed with others we haven’t seen in quite a while.  I made my famous ice cream pie for dessert, which was as always well received.  Queenie came up to me after her first bite, hugged me around the waist, and thanked me for making such a delicious dessert.

And we learned things yesterday too.  Like what a caucus is.  And that Boy-o is frightened of inflatable bouncers.

The day was capped by an amazing fireworks display at the park just one block from our house.  This town really goes all out - it gets bigger every year.  Just amazing.

Afterward, Wii for the adults as the kids drifted off to sleep and the streets cleared up enough for our guests to brave their way home.

 But today the Producer is back at work and I have three very tired children. And it’s only 9:30am.  I think I see why we don’t celebrate July 5th.