This year’s Fourth of July was a little more low key than usual. We gave each kid $10 to spend at the fireworks stand. That got them both plenty of sparklers, smoke bombs, and snakes to keep them entertained. We grilled hotlinks and bratwursts, served alongside homemade baked beans and potato salad. We watched Independence Day (a family favorite) and when it got dark, we drove around and watched all of the fireworks shows going on around town.

Sometimes the simplest things make the best memories. Happy birthday, America!