Happy Fourth Of July!

Matyas Family July 2013

The Sunday before the Fourth of July we were able to take a family photo.  The first picture is before church, the second is after.  Both times the kids were in good spirits.  We had a wonderful Fourth of July.  On July 3, Albion celebrates with a $10,000 display of fireworks.  The whole family was invited to watch them at someone's home, but the kids are little so Mommy got to go, and Daddy stayed home.  The gathering included an ice cream social and lawn games.  I had a smashing time.

On Thursday we shared the morning and afternoon with the Soppelsa family.  We relaxed talked, ate and had an enjoyable time.  There were more pictures on the camera of that day, but they were lost when Dennis put them on the computer.  Oh, well.

Olivia was curious about the fireworks.  And all of the noise.  She is three years old and her favorite question is "why".

    "What is that noise?"  We were outside, playing with sidewalk chalk.  Random pops and booms had been happening all week.
    "Those are fireworks for the Fourth of July."
    "Why are people using fireworks, Mommy?"
    "To celebrate, the Fourth of July is America's birthday."  Olivia likes birthdays, she is able to play the Happy Birthday song on the piano if I point out the keys.
    "Is that your friend?" Olivia asked.
    "Is who my friend?" I asked confused.
    "For the birthday."
    "It is America's birthday," I repeated.
    "Yes, is that your friend," Olivia looked at me patiently, as if I was the child.
    "No, America is a country."  This is when I realized we might be in over our heads.
    "Oh." Pause. "Why?"
     I fumbled through some explanation about Michigan, Missouri and Colorado (all states she knows a little about and can identify on Ethan's floor rug which portrays the United State of America) being a part of a country.
    "I was born in Colorado," she declares boldly.
    "Yes," I agree.
    "We live in Michigan," she rattles.
    "Yes."
    "But what about the birthday party?" She looks confused again.
    "Today, is America's birthday," I try to say it with confidence and finality.
    "Yeah, you're right, Mommy."  Well, at least we can agree on that.

My questioner, comedian and late night eater.