The 4th

Tonight (July 3rd) we set out to see Fireworks.  We've had several years of rained out fireworks, driving during fireworks or trees too high for us to see fireworks...we even climbed out onto our roof one year early in our marriage to see them.  Tonight was different.  With both kids in tow we headed to Andy Brown park in Coppell for the bounce houses, band and fireworks.  Alexis and Andrew loved it.  They were well rested (despite a quick trip to Acute kids due to Andrew's ears yet again) and ready for our dinner.  Upon arrival, we saw one of Grant's fellow teachers and Alexis wanted to pet his puppy so we walked with him to set up our blanket and chairs and start eating.  Finished our burgers and Alexis and I made a quick trip to the playground and then to the bounce houses.  While walking back we ran into a couple of Grant's students that recognized me and walked back with us where we found Andrew driving Grant batty.  Andrew had taken an interest in a little blond girl and everything that her family had around their blanket...balls, water, you name it he was trying to steal it. So we traded kids and I baby wrangled for a few minutes before I decided he could be strapped down in the stroller again and I set to walk him by the booths just for a change in scenery.  We bought daddy a rootbeer and headed back to our spot when we heard the band say it was their last song.  Perfect timing to turn our chairs and watch the show.  The kids were thrilled.  Andrew was tired and started to fuss until I gave him his cup and then the fireworks picked up speed and he sat up and moved to the music in his stroller alternating between having a paci, a sippy cup or a cheerio in his mouth at all times and clapping when his hands weren't full with one of the three.  Alexis started out on the blanket and moved to Daddy's lap for a better view.  She did most of her dancing earlier during dinner.  Dancing  Both kids conked out in the car.  They went to bed sweaty and dirty but we'll just wash the sheets in the morning.

10 years ago, I was in Poina Serata, Romania.  For the 4th, the group I was with watch Independence Day and went hiking with several late middle school/early high school kids.  Quite different from my reflections of this evening.  Which leads me to what I am anticipating.  In 5 days, I'll be headed on my 2nd Mission trip ever.  10 years after my first I'm headed to Tekax, MX.  It will be 8 days of cold water showers, no ac and watching out for critters scurrying on the floor at night.  My reasons for being nervous this time are very different from my trip 10 years ago.  This year, I'm nervous about being away from Grant, Alexis and Andrew, whereas, 10 years ago I was nervous because I was going somewhere I'd never been and didn't know the language.  It's finally setting in that I'm going as I try to pack with little ones trying to get into everything or just distracting me while I get ready, but nevertheless, the large hiking backpack has come out of its hiding place in the closet and been filled 2/3 of the way.  I have a few more items to pick up from the store and then I'll begin packing a carry on of clothing donations.  My goal is to be 100% packed by Wednesday.  So I'll be taking a blogging break for a little while but hopefully you'll get a story or two from Grant with the kiddos.