This year our Fourth of July was wet and wild…literally. Between the Freedom Festival activities and Ben’s birthday we are always crazy busy on America’s Independence Day. And this year was no exception.

We started out the day very, very early. Much, much earlier than I like to get up. [What's up with all these gettin' up early days recently?] I got up at 6:30am so Keaton, Justis and I could be downtown by 7:30am. We had to be there so early this year because we all signed up for the 5K [about 3 miles] Walk/Run.

They predicted rain, but we were hoping they were lying. But, of course, they were right.

It was very cloudy as we took off on the run. Shortly before we made the first mile marker it began to sprinkle. But it felt good. It meant we weren’t going to be dying of heat during our run. Keaton stayed behind with Grandma Cathy as Justis and I picked up the pace a little. We hit the first mile marker at around 18 minutes. At about a mile and a half it began to rain a little harder. Just before the second mile marker the wind really started to pick up. Justis and I decided we’d run for a while. I was feeling pretty good and [luckily] my asthma wasn’t bothering me at all. Justis and I hit the second mile marker around 38 minutes. Then it was just downpouring. And the wind was blowing like crazy. Leaves were flying all over and whipping us in the legs as the rain slapped our faces.

Apparently, back at the finish line, the big banner fell and actually landed on a young woman. The emergency crews came and took her to the hospital. But you’ll be happy to know that she was not seriously injured and was expected to get out tonight.

I don’t know what our finish time was. By that point they were starting to pack up the finish line and get the heck out of Dodge. And we were just looking for some shelter. But, honestly, even with the torrential downpour the race really wasn’t too bad. I think I actually preferred that instead of extreme heat. But I’m weird. What can I say?

Because of the rain they cancelled the rest of the morning activities. The kids were really disappointed they didn’t get to run in their race. And they were even more upset that they didn’t get to go to the pancake breakfast. So Lee stopped at Burger King and got us all french toast sticks. Not quite the same, but close.

After showering [and a nap for me], we headed over to Grandma O’s house to celebrate my cousin, Ben’s 16th birthday. Yep, he’s old enough to drive now, so watch out. Uncle John grilled us some very yummy burgers and brats to go with the potato salad, cole slaw and fruit bowl. It was all very good. And, of course, Lisa made her famous Oreo ice cream cake. Mmm mm good.

Luckily the rain passed quickly. By noon it was 2pm it was sunny again and almost hot. But not too hot. It actually turned out to be a very nice day.

After that meal we headed downtown to enjoy the fireworks. This year we had lots of friends and family join us. My dad, my sister [Kyria], my brother [Le], my mom, Grandma O, Dave and his girlfriend [Kelly] plus the boys, Brendon and Dallas and Dave’s brother, Mike and his girlfriend, Amber. Plus Necole, Jason, Kaitlyn, Jakob and Bryce came down. It was a lot of fun. The kids were running around crazy as usually. Pop was spilled. Beer was spilled. Popcorn was all over the place. It was great. Oh…and the fireworks. They were awesome.

For some further reading on America’s Independence Day click on the links below:

• Independence Day on the Net
• 4th of July - Independence Day
• The National Archives
• Fourth of July Celebrations