Last night, we packed up the family and headed to Lake Benson in Garner, NC. We got the stroller and the blankets ready, as well as my camera and tripod (which is on it’s last leg…). We let Mia play on the bounce houses and the many games they had available for children. She had a blast playing on the covered playground as well. After wearing her out, we picked the perfect spot for our blanket and watched the North Carolina Symphony play beautiful patriotic songs while Mia danced and sang to the music. Elaina enjoyed slobbering all over the beaded necklaces we had purchased.

After sunset, we watched the beautiful fireworks while listening to music. It’s amazing being surrounded by 20,000 people and listening to the distant BOOMs. The fireworks didn’t disappoint. When people say Garner has the best fireworks around, they aren’t kidding! I had set up my tripod on our blanket and captured a few shots to share. Try dodging a crawling infant and a hyped up 3 year old to keep your tripod (that again, is hanging on by a thread) steady and you’ve got a miracle. Here’s the final product!

Happy July 4th and Happy Birthday, America! Thank you to all that have served to keep our wonderful country free!