I have low expectations for the Fourth of July due to lifetime of lame tame summer holidays. Here in Miami the weather is usually awful, which isn’t upsetting, because that’s a rare exception to our usual sunshine. It’s hot, muggy and usually soggy, so we hesitate to plan big BBQs.
This year, however, I stumbled into perhaps the best Independence Day yet almost by accident. We visited my sister-in-law in the Florida Keys for a day, then participated in our town’s festivals. For those of you not familiar with Miami, let me explain. Miami Dade county is quite large, but it’s divided into lots of small towns. The actual city of Miami is very small, including Little Havana and some blocks dowtntown. I live in Miami Springs. It’s a centrally located town that’s 15 minutes to the beach, to downtown, to just about anything. It also has a really small town atmosphere. Manicured lawns, friendly smiles, slow drivers and great town festivals characterize our city. It’s a great spot for a family.
Playing in the lagoon at Ocean Reef.
First boat ride goes like this: Jack falls asleep because this is supposed to be naptime. Max has a great time, but freaks out when he thinks another boat might pass us. Speed demon.
One of my favorite random shops in the Keys.
Most patriotic smile!
Car show in Miami Springs Sunday night. A thrill for boys who spend their days making car lots with their hot-wheels.
A nice man let the boys inside his classic VW van and showed them how to honk the horn.
- Jump for joy! Told Max to smile and this is what he did. Sleepy Jack walked around in a daze during this bedtime violation.
Best shot of Max all weekend. He's so big.
I LOVE this picture. Could be because I'm in love with both of these guys.
A fine reason to have two children: pictures like this.
Side by side
The final float is always a fire engine that swooshes the crowd. The boys love the idea and memory, but freak out during the actual experience.
Jack's back. After the parade is a silly town Cutest Baby Contest. They have categories like Best Sleeper in the 0-6 month age bracket.
Max, a former winner of Best Dimples, rooted for his brother.
Goofing off while the judges deliberated.
Won Best Dimples without any dimples. It's our last year as he has now aged out of the contest.
Homemade cherry pie with homemade vanilla ice cream. A la mode!
Oh Dad!
They were up almost 3 hours past bedtime.
Just like last year, when the fireworks went off Jack fell asleep and Max screamed because of the booming. That's OK. They don't need to be independent yet, even if it is Independence Day. We cuddled the boys and watched the sky explode. What a magical life we live!
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