Little days can be big deals

You'd think that a day like today wouldn't be a big deal. After all, it's just Independence Day... it's not like it's Christmas, a birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day or anything like that.

We were blessed to be able to hang out and have dinner at a dear friend's house today. We had a marvelous time! After dinner, swimming for the kids, and a movie, it was a quiet ride home-- David trying to get comfortable in his seat (he had his appendix taken out this past Tuesday) and the boys just sitting and looking out the window at all the fireworks stands.

Their favorite was always one close to our house. While we never actually bought from them, the boys would comment year-round on the perfect name of this stand: Po-man's Fireworks. Only, they never said "poh" or "poor"... they'd always laugh hysterically and call it POO man's fireworks!

It's almost as if David and I could read each other's minds. We couldn't help but think of this time last year. When we still had Christian with us. When he'd look at his big brothers and laugh at the word "poo" with them! :)

I still remember the giant bag of fireworks we got from our friend Loren. Man, my little pyro's LOVE fireworks! This set of pictures makes me smile fondly every time I think of fireworks.

David had been outside with the boys shooting a few off when Christian walked in the door. All I could see behind his black smudged face were these bright blue eyes! Talk about dirty! They would light a black snake, watch it "grow" and then he'd insist on picking it up. The snake's powdery black body would disintegrate in Christian's hand, and yet he would never give up on the impossible taks of trying to hold the thing!

It is just one of many memories that are etched in my mind. And I am glad for it.

I really, really, really miss him. Like Austin said the other night, it just isn't the same around here without him.