midlothian fireworks

One of our favorite "4th of July" traditions actually takes place on the 3rd each year in Midlothian. The city ( I think) puts on a huge fireworks show in the parking lot of the Midlothian Stadium, and the event is completely free.  This is probably our 5th year going and it's always a blast with the Sturgills and Myers.  

Normally it's a work day for Kevin, but since the 4th was on a Saturday this year, it was observed on Friday and Kevin was off. That meant that we spent the morning and early afternoon boating with Grandma and Papa, and we still had time to hurry home for a shower and to pack up our picnic and head out.

Gates opened at 6 PM, and we were right on time to claim a good spot.  Kevin wanted to bring our new tiny grill (lovingly referred to as "Smokey Joe" since that's what it was called on the box), so he was busy preparing the coals to grill our hot dogs.  We don't generally buy hot dogs, so this was a special treat, and Colby was all in!  He wanted ketchup all over his hot dog and ate every last bite.  That boy was living his best life :) As a side note, he looked so handsome, but informed me that he wanted to wear a "regular shirt" instead of a "church shirt."  Thankfully, I was able to convince him to be festive, and once he rolled the sleeves, he didn't comment about it again.

The kids ate quickly so they could get back to their fun with friends.  I love the way they all just play with each other's bikes and scooters until the sun sets and its time for the show. 

One of the classic moments of the night was watching this pack of boys ride up and down the sidewalk together.  From afar, we couldn't hear what they were saying, but they kept taking off up and down the sidewalk and seemed to be having a blast. The next thing I know, I saw Colby catching a ride behind Brandt.  I have no idea whose idea that was, but it was hilarious and another random lady even commented how clever that was.  Before long, I got up to take a picture and I heard Colby tell Camden to sit down and put his feet on the plasma car.  Then I overheard Colby trying to convince Brandt to switch places so he could pedal the scooter, haha.  These were his exact words about riding the plasma car: "It's SO relaxing. You don't even have to do anything." Way to sell it, buddy!

Kevin is another kid at heart, so he asked one of the girls (a cousin of the Myers) if he could try her longboard, and then he asked Britton to try his rip stick.  Not surprisingly, he did great on both, but the rip stick definitely took more coordination.  A group of teenagers was watching him try and started cheering when he finally got it. 

The Sturgills brought some festive glitter face paint and Maddy was sweet enough to put some on Brooke and Nora.

Kevin seems to take his hammock everywhere he goes, and the parking lot was no exception :) Brooke climbed in to relax by Kevin, then Maddy asked if she could join in as well.

Then Kevin was booted out and more kids piled in :) Thankfully, nobody fell out!

I love these friends and I'm so thankful for traditions that allow us to keep building on these fun memories!!

Thanks for another great show, Midlothian!!