Every year, Southside turns into one of the most patriotic places ever. We decorate like it's Christmas and spend days talking about who's cooking what, what we're drinking, where the kids are going to sleep, who's coming to what house, if you're going to "party hop" or not and where you want to be when the fireworks start.
Actually, the fireworks start in our neighborhood a couple of days before and last until the 7th of July or so. On the Fourth, starting around 5 pm, it begins sounding somewhat like I would expect that Saigon sounded like. Somehow, our kids have slept through the madness each year.
This year, we've deemed Ellabee old enough to actually stay up for the firework spectacular at 9 pm over Vulcan. We'll see what payback is like tomorrow. Expect more pictures to be posted from the frivolity tonight, but wanted to take the opp to wish everyone a very happy and safe Fourth of July... and remember our troops - God I wish they were home but I'm glad that they're defending our freedom and keeping us safe.
This year we added craft projects to our Fourth of July celebrations - notice the handy dandy pinwheels Ellabee and I constructed. 
What sweet girls.
Checking out the decorations at Gran D's house - she's expecting over 150 and has hired security and rented a porta-potty - CRAZY!
Happy Birthday America - we're so glad to be free!
