The Halman Life: Our Fourth

I grew up on the ocean so therefore, I was forced to love the 4th of July. I can still remember gathering on the Seawall watching hoards of people scattered on the sand and shooting off their stacks of fireworks. Then the Pier putting on its dazzling display blowing our puny fireworks out of the water. And although many years I ran inside to escape the loud booms, deep down inside I loved that night. I loved the friends and family gathering together, I loved the warm night air, and I really loved the smell. I remember one 4th my mom made me a white dress with American flag ribbons on my shoulders. She didn’t sew so this was a piece I treasured because I knew how hard she worked on it. I also remember my dad yelling at me to watch out for the sail boat that was parked on the sand in front of our house because I could get hurt climbing on it. Well, I was distracted by some Cuckoo bird firework and yep, I tripped on over some part of the boat and really hurt myself. Funny the things you remember…but despite getting hurt that one holiday, I remember really loving the 4th. In 8th grade I moved away from that house and my heart broke but in high school I did return every 4th, to 30th Ave. south, to lay out in the sand with my best friend, Katie, and loved every second. We ate cotton candy bubble gum and strolled on the sand and enjoyed the day like we lived a house away. I love these memories and hope my kids love this holiday just as much as me.

We started the weekend off with a visit from John’s mom, Grandmommy, and his grandparents, GMom and DDad. It was so great to see them after so long.

Of course we spent some time at the beach too…

John came up with a game called “dump ya.” You sit on the stairs if you are the dumpee and the dumper asks a question. If you get it wrong the dumper gets to “dump ya” with a bucket of water. It was hilarious and very fun. Isla dumped us even if we got the question right.

The 4th was spent at our house. We ate oysters and wings, we grilled out hamburgers and hotdogs, we watched the little ones play on the slip n slide and in the sand box, and we just enjoyed the day. This was Palmer’s first holiday and the poor thing had to spend it in a sailor suit because Mommy just thought it was too cute to pass up.

Isla’s favorite fireworks were the pop its. I have to admit I like them too. They are like bubble wrap but way cooler. You throw them down, they pop and if they don’t you go stomp on them. Genius!