Ryan and I hosted the 3rd Annual Fourth of July celebration again this year. We enjoy having everyone over and spending time with everyone. It did rain a lot during the day, but that did not seem to dampen anyone's spirits. We still had a few people go swimming (even though the water was like 72 degrees). The kids of course did not seem to mind at all. They all liked to play in all of the mud puddles!
I always think about the Reinschmiedt 4th of July celebrations during this time of year. Every year since I can remember, we would pack up and head to Clinton to my Grandparents (Menno and Hazel Reinschmiedt) house and celebrate the 4th. Grandma's sister and family would come down from Texas, my Dad's brothers would come, and many of Grandpa's siblings and families would come. It was one big ole party!! I miss that tradition, I miss my grandparents, and I miss seeing that side of the family.
There are so many memories that I think I could write a book about them all. I can't remember ever not going to Clinton on the 4th. Grandpa Menno always made sure there were plenty of firecrackers. He LOVED to pop them. He always had them all laid out on his work bench ready for all of us kids when we got there. He even managed to have pop bottle rockets most years. The adults would be one of two places. Sitting inside the shed playing cards, or under the big tree in the back yard watching all the action. Every year (It did not matter how old we were) someone would always throw smoke bombs or light black cats under the adults chairs, or we would throw smoke bombs into the shed. We always got a lecture from Grandpa or Grandma after that... but I think they secretly thought it was funny. There are many memories I should probably not tell you (pop bottle rocket wars, roman candle fights, fires... etc.) but I can guarantee you each year we had a blast.
One of the best times of the day was in the evening when it started to get dark. Everyone would bring their lawn chairs and blankets to the driveway and the night time fireworks show would begin. The kids would start out with sparklers, and as it continued to get darker we would move onto the bigger fireworks. I think Kevin likes fireworks as much as Grandpa Menno did. He always put on quite the night time show.
There are so many more memories of this wonderful family tradition. While Ryan and I have started our new 4th of July tradition, it was inspired by my grandparents. Although it will never be the same caliber as their celebration, it serves a purpose. It gets our families together... AND it brings back all of those wonderful memories in Clinton on the Reinschmiedt farm.
There are so many memories that I think I could write a book about them all. I can't remember ever not going to Clinton on the 4th. Grandpa Menno always made sure there were plenty of firecrackers. He LOVED to pop them. He always had them all laid out on his work bench ready for all of us kids when we got there. He even managed to have pop bottle rockets most years. The adults would be one of two places. Sitting inside the shed playing cards, or under the big tree in the back yard watching all the action. Every year (It did not matter how old we were) someone would always throw smoke bombs or light black cats under the adults chairs, or we would throw smoke bombs into the shed. We always got a lecture from Grandpa or Grandma after that... but I think they secretly thought it was funny. There are many memories I should probably not tell you (pop bottle rocket wars, roman candle fights, fires... etc.) but I can guarantee you each year we had a blast.
One of the best times of the day was in the evening when it started to get dark. Everyone would bring their lawn chairs and blankets to the driveway and the night time fireworks show would begin. The kids would start out with sparklers, and as it continued to get darker we would move onto the bigger fireworks. I think Kevin likes fireworks as much as Grandpa Menno did. He always put on quite the night time show.
There are so many more memories of this wonderful family tradition. While Ryan and I have started our new 4th of July tradition, it was inspired by my grandparents. Although it will never be the same caliber as their celebration, it serves a purpose. It gets our families together... AND it brings back all of those wonderful memories in Clinton on the Reinschmiedt farm.
Below: Tad thought Alyssa's shoes were so cool that he had Grandpa Dale help him put them on!
Below: Tad and Grayson were watching Cebu (Veggie Tales) on my phone.
Below: I think Tad thought Aunt Julie's lap was crowded. LOL
Below: The rain and VERY cold pool water did not stop Ryan and Jake from taking a swim. The water was 72 degrees. Crazy guys!
Below: Tad did not think the water was to cold... or maybe he did and that is why he got in with all of his clothes on (2 different times). He sure had a good time with Uncle Jake.
Below: Alyssa was being very brave and jumping into Uncle Ryan!
Below: Grandma, Mom, Bryan and Grandpa were staying out of the rain and watching people swim.
Below: Keiffer said he wasn't cold as long as he didn't move!
Below: Alyssa was learning one of the Hermanski family games.
Below: Thank you so much Aunt Christy for all of your help in the kitchen. Your cobbler was YUMMY!!!
Below: Ryan grilled squash and stuffed peppers along with the beef. He is such a good cook!
Below: It was a big party... but Grayson still decided to take a nap.
Below: I think Greg was threatening to roll Kirk into the pool in this picture. :)
Below: Greg and Mom hanging out.
Below: G-baby woke up from his nap and snuggled up with Angie.
Below: The inflatable cooler seemed to be a lot of fun for the kiddos.
Below: Those are the best watermelons and cantaloupes they have seen!
Below: Aunt Christy, Keiffer, Mike and Donna Thralls having dinner. Ryan and I were so happy that Mike and Donna and Mike's dad Rex were able to come and we hope they can come next year.
Below: Rudi loved having everyone outside with her. She also loves drinking rain water. My sweet kitty...
Below: Alyssa and Tad were having a serious conversation.
Below: Round two for Tad being in the water with all of his clothes on. He loved being pulled around the pool by his daddy.
Below: Ryan and Tad hanging out in the pool.
Below: I just love the face Kelly is making at Alyssa. Notice the popsicle addict in the background.
Below: Rex and Angie were teaching the Hermanski clan how to play Rook.
Below: Kelly and Erica brought some fireworks. They were technically illegal in town on that day since Garber celebrated the 4th of July on the 3rd. We were rebels and did it anyways.
Below: The Davis family were so nice and shared some fireworks with Tad. He LOVED them!
Below: Ryan and I took a break from the fireworks to cheese it up for the camera.
Below: This picture of Kelly makes me laugh every time I look at it! I think he used to be a competitive roman candle war player.
Below: Alyssa, Tad and I watching the fireworks.
Below: A family picture! Tad was so tired... but still a great picture.
Below: The night time fireworks started.
Below: Ryan and Alyssa were dancing with their sparklers.
Below: I think Alyssa might have messed her britches in this picture. She took off running towards a lit fountain and right before she got there it ignited. Watching her screaming with her arms flailing, scared to death was like a scene from a movie. I have to say it was HILARIOUS! I still giggle about it now when I think about it. We are so happy she is okay... and she now knows she can't take off running towards lit fireworks. Such a sweet girl.
On a different note, Project Turtle is still underway... I just haven't seen any turtles! Which is a good thing. I'll keep you updated.Until next time...Save a Turtle! The Ultimate Recovery of Turtles Lives Experiment.
4th of July just isn't the same anymore. We really miss the 4th at Uncle Menno and Aunt Hazel's and seeing all of you guys. Great memories to treasure always!
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