How amazing is it that such America’s big 250th birthday landed on a weekend?? In true July fashion, it was hot as can be, but it ended up being one of my favorite 4ths yet!

We kicked things off on Friday the 3rd with a day at the lake. I get asked sometimes if I miss living on the lake, with some people wondering why we’d ever leave. And I have a secret to spill… I’m really not all that much of a lake girl. I don’t miss the upkeep or the spider webs and while I LOVE a good boat ride, I wasn’t ever one to just go swimming in it for funsies.

BUT. Hailey is a lake girl. And David loves a summer holiday at the lake, so the fact that we still have access and the kindest open arms welcoming us to enjoy it is something I truly treasure.

Christen, my bestie from all the way back at our time at UGA, lives nearby and we have a history of spending America’s birthday together at the lake and tradition continued! We all met at David’s parents’ place in the morning and settled nicely into a day of tubing, swimming, grilling, and relaxing.

As the sun set after the hot day we all headed back home, a little more sun-kissed than before and happily exhausted.

We woke up on the 4th and as a member of our neighborhood’s social committee, we met up at the barn to set up for the evening’s festivities. We hung banners and set up tables, dripping in sweat by the end of it but happy with the results!

Back home we had a rather chill day and it was wonderful. Hailey made cake pops, I made Texas caviar, and Kaitlyn rehydrated from the day at the lake. We watched all the programming about America they had on TV all day, from the most beautiful US natural wonders to flyovers and festivities; it really was fun to see so many different versions of celebrations.

Late afternoon we got ready for the cookout and everyone appeased me with the obligatory family photo, though Finley could up her game a bit.

We arrived blasting God Bless the USA and immediately joined in on the fun. The kids hit up the pool, the adults chatted and feasted, and the all-around vibe was joyous. I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before but I really feel blessed by our community.

As the sun started to set, we cleaned things up and headed home to reset before meeting back up at the pavilion for fireworks.

To me, it felt like a scene out of The Wonder Years. It was all so wholesome and cute. Kids running around with sparklers, dads lighting the big ones that exploded into dazzling lights in the sky, the ladies chatting it up. 4th of July perfection, but with only a few pictures to show for it.

We were back home at a respectable time and watched some of the Nashville celebration, like Tim McGraw singing Down on the Farm. I loved hearing Hailey sing along to “everybody knows everybody, everybody calls you friend,” then say, “That’s like our neighborhood.”

How cool is that?

Just like that, America turns 250! Here’s to hoping it’s her best year yet. 🙂