More than Just Fireworks for the 4th

The 4th of July has become my favorite holiday over the past few years.  I can think of several reasons of what makes it so much fun such as the fireworks, the food, the warm weather, but I think it all comes down to one simple thing: it is the only holiday Clark and I have been able to spend together every year since we first met.  Each year I can think back to our memories and look forward to trying to top it the next!
Another thing I love about this holiday is the fact that it gets people out of the house.  I can't think of another holiday when everyone, all ages, wants to get out and spend time with others.  There is not a limit of "blood related family only" or "due to weather we should stay in".  This holiday is about being with people; family, friends, and even strangers who...

are also ooing and awwing at the different shapes and colors of fireworks being shot into the sky.  The whole day is an opportunity to embrace the people around you and take a break from the stress of reality we all feel.  

Now, my whole life I have spent the 4th of July watching fireworks.  However, when you live in Milwaukee, things are a little different.  I learned this two years ago when we celebrated our first July here.  MKE likes to mix it up a bit, and host the city fireworks over the lake on the 3rd.  Yes, the third!  I didn't feel right about it at first either.  Except now, I've learned to love it and embrace that this is typical Milwaukee - spreading the party out at long as possible! 

This year, one of my best friends flew in from Colorado to spend the holiday with us, and another one of my best friends decided to stay in Milwaukee for the summer for her first time.  It was so fun to get to show these two what the 4th of July in Milwaukee looks like.  We spent the third barbecuing the typical foods and hanging out in the sun.  Then we worked our way down to the lake for some late night fireworks.  I love my fiancé very much, but sometimes his common sense is blinded by his excitement.  I mention this because I want you to understand why it was that he insisted we bring the dogs to the lake for the fireworks.  If you have dogs that are okay with tons of people, extremely loud noises, and flashes of light, congrats to you! I envy you.  We on the other hand do not.  The girls and I were nervous about the idea of bringing the dogs, but Clark had his heart set on spending this evening with them.  Long story short, we brought the dogs, it was a disaster, and we had to leave within the first 5 minutes.  Eventually we found a spot far enough away that the dogs calmed down, but close enough we could continue to watch.  This was the perfect way to end our night.

When the fireworks were done we went home to bed, knowing what was ahead in the early morning.  We left at 7:00am for our train to Chicago for a great 4th in an even greater city!
The day was perfect.  The girls tried on bridesmaid dresses, we did a little shopping, and had some delicious hot dogs.  We of course visited all of the popular landmarks that we've seen a thousand times and yet can't help going back to.  The day eventually ended with a tired group heading home on the train, and knowing that this was a fun 4th of July that we can happily add to the amazing list of memories for this favorite holiday.