4th of July

Independence Day::

The family was a tired from a long week but we wanted to hang out since we hadn't seen each other in a while. In years past we have a big fireworks show on the hill behind our church so we have a big church thing. Due to lack of funds, fireworks in Paso Robles were cancelled this year.

So after church we ate lunch and then headed to Serra Alto, a beautiful little campground/trail nearby. We were trying to do something outside while avoiding the madness of the beach. We set out on what proved to be a pretty good hike (about 3 miles straight up). It felt good to be in decent shape and it was a really fun time with David and Emily (we broke away from Dad, Mom & Rachel early on). Dad ended up catching up with us and we all made it to the top. Mom and Rachel made it most the way as well. It was super clear with perfect weather and the views were amazing! After our hiking adventure we ate some dinner... then a little dessert...played a game and then waited for dusk. When it started to get dark we headed to the little town of Templeton where fireworks are legal, and went to the city park to shoot off some fireworks my dad got from one of those little roadside stands. Crammed with a bunch of other Americans into a small city park in the center of town it felt like the epitome of small town USA. It was total chaos with fireworks going off everywhere! The noise and the smoke and the fear of getting hit in the head with a firecracker made us all laugh and laugh and laugh... although I think Emily was genuinely frightened. It was a blast! After the park my mom hung around and we stayed up late and watched a Norwegian movie (it was called Trouble Waters... very interesting), which I could do without guilt because I had Monday the 5th off. It was a great end to a really pleasant day. Someone at work said it well... 4th of July is great because you get to eat, and hang out with friends, and do stuff outside, and unlike other holidays there is very little to prepare. Well maybe this resonated with me because I have just been way too busy but that being said... for totally unpatriotic reasons... I'm a fan of the 4th!