One of our favorite summer traditions is the fireworks display in a neighboring town. Usually they’re on July 4th, but this year the weather forced them to be pushed to the rain date. They were worth the wait.

Going in, Scout was a bit on the moody side. We went early so we’d be able to park in the same zip code and so we’d be able set up our chairs and blankets while the sky was still light. He thought he’d be bored and wanted to take his Nintendo DS. We didn’t want it to get lost in the dark, so no. He took a book from his summer reading list instead. It didn’t take long for his mood to turn, though, and it wasn’t because he had brought his book along. Five minutes after we sat down he was off running with his friends from school. Younger siblings soon came and collected Lil’bug to join in the chasing and games of catch.

The only thing better than fireworks?

I’ve found a new best friend here. They’re all-natural and don’t leave me feeling drugged or hung-over the next day. They’re helping me ‘turn off’ my brain so I can fall asleep and they’re non-habit-forming. The next best thing?

I’ve noticed a phase in Lil’bug. She’ll pair two completely different toys and will carry them around with her everywhere.

…Lil’bug says to me as we’re sitting out on the front steps enjoying the cooler part of the day.

Holly is the baby doll Lil’bug received from Santa last Christmas.

The carnival came to a neighboring town last month and we joined the other cub scouts for a fun night out. Oh, what fun (she said with sarcasm)!

• I need to preface this by saying I love animals. It kills me to hear of animals being mistreated. Having said that: Have you ever see this: ‘Caution: Horses,’ or this: ‘Show Dogs on Board’ while driving? I do my best to drive carefully. All. The. Time.

• How much caffeine does a Fudgsicle contain? Wouldn’t it make sense for food manufacturers to put caffeine content in the nutritional information box? That way I’d know if that treat I’m eating at 9:00 pm will give me just enough of a boost to get me through this project or if my brain will be racing at 3:00 am.

I was off from work on Friday and had some things to take care of. I had to stop in at Scout’s school to speak with the new principal about this. (She loves the idea!) Scout stayed outside with a couple of friends and I took Lil’bug inside with me.

Apparently there are no boundaries in our house. If it exists it’s there for the taking. Whether it be an open space on the calendar, a lap to sit on, a space between H and I in our bed, my chocolate and coffee stash. This does not sit well with me.

Last Sunday we went took the kids to the movies. Now, to most people this is no big deal. But, this was Lil’bug’s first movie theater experience. It was the first time we’d all gone to the movies together as a family in almost forever. I’ve taken Scout to see various movies. H has taken Scout to see a movie or two, but this was all four of us… together! Care to guess what we saw? Hint: it’s the only G-rated movie out there right now.