Independence Day

The 4th of July was just four days after the worst night of our lives.  That whole week was a sad time for us as a family, but we were together and we were thankful to have one another.  I already had a cute little outfit for Baby Mattie to wear that day, and we had planned to just take the boys to watch the fireworks in uptown Charlotte where we could watch them from the top of a parking garage as we have done in years past.  It would likely have been her first outing after leaving the hospital.  I am sure there will be many events in our future where I will think of her as we are on outings where I planned for her to be with us...like our trip to the beach.  I think it is a way for her to still be with us.  After visiting the funeral home and making preparations for Baby Mattie's memorial service and burial, we spent our 4th of July together going out to eat dinner at a local barbecue restaurant and then going to see the fireworks.  Evan was nervous about the loud noise (remember last year's fireworks fiasco?) so Daddy prepared him by getting him some ear plugs.  The fireworks were supposed to begin at 9:30 p.m. so we arrived at the Target parking garage at about 9:15 p.m.  We went up to the top where we joined tons of other families and spread our blanket on the concrete ground.  At 9:30 p.m., the fireworks did not start.  At 9:45 p.m., the rain showers that were threatening finally commenced.  Seriously, why didn't the fireworks show start on time so they would almost be over?  Sigh.  We headed towards the elevators with scores of other people to get out of the rain with disappointed faces.  Before we could get on the elevators, the showers ceased, and we decided to wait a little longer.  By 10:00, there were still no fireworks and the skies opened up again in torrential downpours.  This time we boarded the elevators and headed to the car with the rest of the crowd.  The traffic in the parking garage was now at a standstill as we waited in a long line to get out.  We finally heard the fireworks begin.  Sigh again.  When we finally emerged from the garage, we drove down the street and parked in a little parking lot to sit and watch the rest of the fireworks show from the car.  The view was actually still a good one, and Evan seemed to enjoy it more since the noise was reduced.  I think this may be our new spot in future years when we don't make plans to go to a ballgame.  When the fireworks ended, we could easily leave this spot without being in a lot of traffic.

Our official family 4th of July picture. 

Baby Mattie's outfit to match her big brothers' shirts all from Janie & Jack (on sale).  I was worried it would be way too big, but I think it would have fit perfectly since she weighed 8 lbs. 

Mommy and her little man are ready to watch some fireworks. 

Mommy and her big boy

My handsome Evan

Hard to get both to cooperate for a picture at the same time. 

He just wanted to run around in the crowd waving his light stick. 

Who cares about fireworks?  I have a cool flashlight!

He was all ready with his glow stick and ear plugs!