I get a little homesick every July. I miss the Independence Day celebration of my small hometown in Ohio. There’s a 4 day fair, parade, the pre-fireworks party at our friend’s home, and dancing in the streets. And you KNOW I was always one of the ones dancing, right there with my mom (while my brother disowned us).

This year Mark found a nearby city party with a small-town feel. It was perfect for M! We walked into the park to the sound of a country cover band belting out Something Like That, which of COURSE I had to sing along to. Then I convinced M to come out and dance with me to Chicken Fried in the middle of the pavilion. He clapped along to the music and his sense of rhythm is pretty good!

In addition to the country music (which is a must for any true 4th of July celebration in my book), there was yummy strawberry shortcake, a small playground, carnival games, and a firetruck to tour. It actually wasn’t that crowded, so the only issue we had with M was his need to visit every single bathroom (of which there were surprisingly many), both the “boy bafooom” and “gul bafoom”.

Once home, I took M swimming for the first time this summer. He enjoyed splashing around, till he put his face in the pool and swallowed some water. That freaked him out enough that he refused to go back in the water.

The evening was capped off with Mark grilling hot dogs, corn, and asparagus. Yum!

What did you do for the 4th of July (or Canada Day)?