Heartfelt: Family, Fun, and Fireworks

Monday, July 6, 2026

Family, Fun, and Fireworks

Well. I went a little over a month without posting. I never intended to skip a month, but I also don't want to write just to be writing.

So here we are in July. It's been a busy summer so far. I finally got some flowers in my teeny tiny front porch garden, and I put out some new garden lights. Pictures are at the end.

We got a new aquatic center in my town and it's awesome! It's more than a water park--the outdoor pool has slides, a lazy river, and a splash pad, but also there are pools inside: a heated therapy pool and a regulation size pool for swim meets. Also, there is a fitness center with work out equipment and a walking track on the second floor overlooking the 3 gyms, where it seems that pickle ball games are held several times a week. At least when I'm walking that's what seems to be going on.

I've been there twice with my grandson to swim, and I've been going there in the mornings to walk on the indoor walking track during the recent heat wave we've been experiencing.

I prefer walking outside, of course, but I'm not risking my health by walking even in the morning when it's 85 but feels like 95. So, I'm thankful to have somewhere to walk indoors. Summer will be over eventually, though, and I'm looking forward to it, watching daily as the days get shorter again. I can't wait for fall!

There was no shortage of celebrations with family for the 250th birthday of our nation. On Saturday, June 27th, we attended the annual Red, White, and Blue Celebration on the ASU campus, where we saw the best ever firework show that I posted about a few days ago.

Then on Friday night, July 3 we went out on Lake Norfork for their fireworks show. It was also amazing! There's something about fireworks on the lake, with the image of the fireworks reflected on the surface of the water. It's magical.

Finally, Saturday night, on the actual 4th we had a cookout at my daughter and son-in-law's house and our own little fireworks show in the street in front of their house. I'll post pictures at the end of this post.

Fourth of July is a very special holiday in its own right, and even more so this year with the 250th birthday of America. It's very special to me personally, too; probably my almost favorite holiday, second only to Christmas. We really got into it when my kids were growing up. It was a big deal, and my mom really enjoyed it as well. She loved summer--she was opposite of me in that respect--and she always came out for the evening to celebrate the 4th of July with us. It's one of my best memories with her.

Happy 4th of July! I hope you all had a wonderful celebration of Independence Day with your families.

Blessings to my friends, and God Bless America!