Independence Day 2007

Last night, on the 4th of July, Jennifer and I snuggled up and watched the annual fireworks display that the City of Arvada hosts and the radio station KOOL 105 sets to music.  Just prior, we had a great dinner with friends at our house with their two boys, so Christopher had a play date as well.  The food was great and the company even better.

We arrived somewhat late to the Stenger/Lutz Sports complex where the fireworks take place.  I was worried that we might have trouble getting a parking space, even with disabled plates.  As it turned out, we ended up with very close parking and a perfect view of the celebration directly below the massive booms and lights above us.

Since this is a regular tradition with us, it’s kind of a marker of my progression.  Jennifer and I were laying down with Christopher in a sleeping bag at our feet staring straight up when it hit me we were able to spend another 4th together.  Most of our other holiday plans are somewhat variable in activity, but we have made this an annual event for quite sometime.

After being married for 17 years, Jennifer said she was thinking the same thing about how blessed we were to still be able to watch the fireworks together.  I think it’s almost impossible to dwell in negativity when you see the majesty of a grand display such as this.

We tend to take in all the details.  The younger couples behind us that had been drinking, albeit a bit loud and obnoxious, were simply enjoying the show.  Christopher and his buddies were ever vigilant with the constant question, “Was that the finale?”  The wind was blowing pretty good which actually blew the smoke away from the lights for a crystal clear view of each explosion.  The designs that the fireworks can make now are amazing, from hearts to interlocking rings and stars.  This year added a new one that blew up into scores of bright lights and then propelled themselves like fireflies until the ember extinguished.  That was our favorite of the evening.

I woke up early this morning and let our two dogs, CJ and Tumnus out, and made a cup of coffee.  We planted some trees in the backyard this year and I went out to check on their progress.  They had been in shock after being transplanted and were now showing signs of new life.  For some reason the moon was still out as if watching me take things in.

 

This was a series of events that I haven’t pondered in a while and it is refreshing beyond belief when you take the time.  So on this day, take that extra moment to breathe the fresh air, walk up close to a tree or plant that is showing new growth, smile at a newborn and choose to make a positive difference in someone’s life.