I am a little late on getting this post out, but I could not let a July 4th past without reliving a few of our exciting moments from this year. July 4th is perhaps one of my favorite holidays. It requires no massive prep times, it requires very little financial investment (other than food and explosives), and, once everything is underway, you can simply sit back, have a good time, and enjoy the good company. Of course, the inner Timmy in me loves to make things go boom, set things on fire, and see ‘pretty colors’ in the sky… in a good way… :)
Every year, we try to have a gathering at our home to celebrate on or around the holiday. This year was a little special for us, due to the fact that it was the first year in our new house. After sending out a ton of invites, we managed to get a large group together (16 people, I think) at our new home for food, fireworks, and an all around good time. Thanks to everyone who could make it out this year and made this event so much fun.
Anyway, the 4th of July tends to be… eventful when you get ‘the crew’ together. This year was not an exception and it consisted of several ‘events’ and ‘activities’ that still makes me smile when I think about them. Here are some of the highlights:
Around the World: M90 Style
My firework hand-weapon of choice is the M90. Although it does not pack quite the boom of its M80 predecessor, it is a great all around firework. As the opening event for this year, the guys gathered together to play Around the World. The rules work just like those of the basketball variation, but, in this case, we were lighting the M90’s and trying to ‘shoot’ them into a bucket of water. Of course, if we hit, there would be a very satisfying sizzling sound and a nice explosion that would spray water all around.
As it turns out, we were all horrible shots! After the first 10 –15 rounds, Gabe had been the only person to manage to get a shot in. At that point, John came up w/ the idea of doing it ‘Shoot Out’ style, limiting the number of shots that each person had per location. This worked out quite a bit better and, after completing the game, I am proud to claim the M90 Champion Belt. :)
M90 Badminton
As we wrapped up the first game, we came to realize that we had a quite a few M90’s laying around. After tossing them at each other or trying to blow up inanimate objects, I happened to remember that I had an old badminton racket laying outside (mainly for the purpose of slaying bore bees). Pretty soon, we ended up playing M90 badminton in which one person would light the M90 and toss it at the other person. That person would then attempt to grand slam the sucker into the ravine below. If successful, we were rewarded w/ a great echoing blast.
I am still a little amazed by the fact that, although Dylan did not want to toss the M90’s at anyone, he was 100% game for being the recipient of said action. Good times.
Harry Potter
Of all things that we do on the 4th, my favorite part is our Harry Potter competition. This tradition started several years ago after Drew and I got into a Roman Candle fight and realized how much fun it was! The premise is rather simple… Gather a crowd, pack several Roman Candles, and fire away. When the smoke clears, you can gauge your success by the crowds reaction as well as the number of burn marks you leave on your opponents. In the past, we have sported some minor battle wounds, including missing eyebrows, burnt / melted clothing, and bruised appendages. This year, we opted for a ‘safety measure’ by wearing paintball masks (an addition suggested by the wife… lol).
As for this year, John takes the cake for ‘battle wounds’. He and Liz had challenged each other to a fight and he was pelting her. I believe that I saw around 3 shots bounce off her person. Suddenly, she connected w/ a shot of her own. Unfortunately, the shot managed to get caught in the folds of John’s shirt. Needless to say, Cotton + Roman Candle = Fire… The next thing I knew, John was running, flaming, and beating himself at the same time… lmao. He posted about the experience here.
As a grand finale, we allowed the crowd to line up and take shots at Drew and I while we dodged, pushed each other as a meat shield, and just tried to survive. It is not easy to dodge four Roman Candles at the same time. Up until the end, I had managed to avoid getting shot, only to turn around and be shot directly between the eyes. I am still not sure whether that shot was from John or Emilie’s younger sister… lol. Of course, my mask took the damage, leaving a small burn mark on the face shield.
Also, I have to thank Dylan for being on bucket brigade. Our entire lawn was covered in nice dry hay and Dylan was conscious enough to put out whatever small fires we started. Thank goodness it rained late that night. :)
Fun With Fire
After setting off our main fireworks, I managed to convince Crystal to let me do my favorite trick. Did you know that if you spray yourself w/ bug spray, you essentially make yourself highly flammable? In fact, if you spray it thick enough, you can light your entire arm on fire and watch it burn (in a blue flame) for several seconds before it starts to burn you. So, I was able to complete the 4th of July experience by setting myself on fire for prosperity’s sake. It was so much fun!
Of course, once that trick got old, we finished off the can of bug spray by playing flaming graffiti Pictionary. Essentially, the crowd calls out symbols and you attempt to draw it on a wall in bug spray. Finally, you light the wall and see how well you did. You have no clue how awesome the Bat symbol is until you see it burning in front of you. That goes as well for the Superman symbol, stick figures, half the Greek alphabet, love messages to your wife, and other things.
In Conclusion
All in all, I have to say that I had a wonderful 4th, between the events the above, the great food, playing the adult form of telephone (don’t ask), Gabe’s horrific comments, and simply setting of the main fireworks with Dylan, I had a wonderful time.
Thanks to all who made it possible. I can’t wait till next year! Take care.