This morning we got up early and headed out to the Independence Day parade. I walked about a third of the way with Andy, Cory, and Maizy before my mom came by with Destiny and picked us up to drive the rest of the way. We arrived just a few minutes late.

The kids were really well behaved the whole time. The only “issue” with Maizy was that she slimed absolutely everyone within reach—which, honestly, was more funny than anything. Cory was especially clingy and stuck close to me for most of the parade.

Afterward, we came home and relaxed for the afternoon. The boys played outside for a bit, and after supper Evan came home from spending time with his dad, Mark. Later, Allan—the boys’ grandpa (Mark’s dad)—stopped by to use the computer for a while.

I’d been trying all day to find someone who could take us to see the fireworks, so I finally asked Allan. He agreed right away. Around 9 p.m., we all piled into the back of his pickup and headed to a great viewing spot. The town ice cream truck was nearby, and Allan treated the boys to ice cream before the show started.

Once the fireworks began, Andy and Evan were completely mesmerized. Cory wasn’t a fan of the noise, so he curled up in a quilt we brought along and hid for most of it. (I’m guessing next year will be a different story.)

After the show, we came home and the kids went straight to bed. It was a really good day—simple, full, and better than expected.

This is a true account written in my own words during the time it happened. I’ve lightly edited it for clarity in the present day (2026), with minimal exclusions, while keeping the original voice and meaning intact.