4th of July - summer's bittersweet midpoint

It's sad to say it, but summer is pretty much halfway over. Pretty soon, there will be back-to-school sales, crispness in the air and orange leaves. Before you know it, it's Christmas.

Geeez.

But as much as I bemoan the 4th of July as the peak of summer season (all downhill from here, people), I can't really hate on it too much, because there ain't too much cuter than little kids in Americana-themed clothing. And I do love me some cookout food!

This particular 4th was perfection: hot but not too humid; a parade and fireworks in Annapolis; three cookouts and one crab-feast; two sets of red-white-and-blue outfits; baby pools, water tables, cousins, cupcakes - and lots and lots of sparklers.

Waiting for the 4th of July parade in historic downtown Annapolis. My kids now are obsessed with parades, because they got handfuls of candy thrown at them during this one.

Cheeeeeeeese.

Coincidentally, Tahira and I both brought our families to Annapolis this Fourth! It was really fun to hang out with family unexpectedly.

That's Russy on Reggie's shoulders. Guess whose kids didn't cry about the fireworks this year? That's right. My big kids!

At a cookout at my friend David's house, he handed out sparklers and the kids loved them! Clair called hers a "wand."

Our friends Kelly and Mark had a crab feast and pulled out the baby pool. Lots of splashing with Naomi and baby Jason and then, of course: "I'm cooooooold!!" When cold, must eat popsicles. You didn't know?

We finally got to taste the tomatoes the kids grew in their own little pots at Jason and Kelly's house. "They taste GOOD!" the kids exclaimed. Pay Dean's tart-face no attention. He loved them. Thanks, Farmer Jason!

At a cookout at my Mom and Dad's house, I got to chat with this guy, Tyren, who I used to play with when I was like 9 years old. I haven't seen him in a thousand years! He came from Texas with his parents (my Dad's good friends), his wife and three gorgeous daughters, who are 14, 11 and 9. I felt so old! LOL.

After four nights out of the house until at least 11 p.m., so much running around in the sun, lots of walking, and fireworks, sweet treats, splashing, friends, cousins and hot dogs, my kids did what they almost NEVER do: They conked OUT in the car. It was blissful. (P.S. Dean is wearing my sunglasses. Isn't he the most adorable?)

Lester and I did a lot of talking this holiday about what it means to be both an American and a black person in America. It's an interesting dual perspective to carry around, living in a country that is so awesomely wonderful in so many ways, and also still so intolerant of -- and sometimes downright hateful to -- people who look like us.

We know people who find it hard to embrace the Fourth because of that dichotomy. Some were posting photos on Facebook of slaves picking cotton, with text that said, "This is what my ancestors were doing in 1776." And it's true. American freedom means different things depending on who you are in this country. That was true in 1776, and though things are exponentially better now, it is still true today.

But I am still really proud to be an American. And I am still certain that there are few places on this planet where so many people of all different stars and stripes could have so much opportunity. I look at my beautiful children -- the descendants of people who toiled and bled and died so that they could wave sparklers and eat hot dogs like everyone else -- and I am truly optimistic that our country will one day get to where it needs to be. If any country can do it, we can. 

 "And crown thy good with brotherhood...from sea to shining sea."

Happy birthday, boys!

Saturday, Cary and Dean turned 3!

We had a big cookout for them on Sunday, so most of their actual birthday was spent running errands with us to prepare for the party. But they didn't notice, thank goodness!

We spent way too much money, and made waaaaaay too much food. The wind whipped a little too much in the beginning of the party, causing important things to go flying and 3-year-olds to start whining.

But all in all, it was a really, really great day. So many  friends and family came out to celebrate with us, it was amazing! And because my cousin Keilan graduated from Howard University the day before, a huge cohort of Boston-family was in town and came to the party too. With all those people there, I still don't know how we managed to have too much food -- but guess what we didn't have too much of? Margaritas!

Because Sunday was also Mother's Day, I made Mommy Margaritas for the mothers. Those drinks were sooo delicious and a big, big hit!  I will have to make those again -- possibly at every function. Or just because it's Tuesday or something.

The kids enjoyed playing outside and eating 2,000 lbs. of sugar and I so much enjoyed seeing friends and family in one place, laughing and eating and enjoying life. It's truly one of my favorite things. As I turn 40, I know that one of the things I want to do more is get together with the special people in my life. Friends old and new, family near or far -- I don't want to miss an opportunity to hug you, and find out how your life is going. So be prepared for seeing more of me! (Or at least talking to me more!)

The boys got a thousand and one fabulous presents, but this one from my Mom and Dad really stole the show:

10, 9, 8, 7...

Even the two balance bikes we got them couldn't compare to those suits. (Pray for us as we try to teach the boys to "ride" a bike with no pedals.)

Lester and I are both exhausted from all the party preparation and partying and party clean-up! And I've got a ton of work to do to because Michelle has been sick, so Lester and I have had to alternate  days staying home to care for the kids.

So even though I had planned to do a big round-up of the boys' third year, I will have to leave this post short and sweet. Just like them.