4th of July in Phoenix

It's been hard for my little family to make traditions because we never seem to be in the same place twice for any holiday. The 4th of July is no exception. We've had some great 4ths including our first together in Boston on the banks of the Charles with the Durham's. This 4th of July was spent half at home, half in transit, and half in Phoenix, AZ. (No, that syntax was not a mathematical error - the 4th of July has never had so many hours in it.) The dry heat is a welcome break from the Ohio humidity, but it has kept us indoors more than I'm used to on Independence Day. There weren't any fancy fireworks, but the small sparks made by many cousins on Grandma and Grandpa's driveway provided plenty of celebration and cheer. To top it off we made a trip to Steve's favorite ice cream joint, Mary Coyle's, for large chocolate shakes. Not likely to be a tradition, but a very nice 4th of July none the less. 

One thing I did this year that I hope will be a tradition was read the Declaration of Independence in its entirety. (Thank you NYT. :) )  It is a fascinating document and reminds me why we have a government and what it's role should be, as well as the universal desire for freedom, fair treatment, and preservation of human dignity. It's hypocrisies are also a reminder to fully inspect our thoughts and communications with each other.

Happy Independence Day!