There are lots of things I like about holidays with my kids. Seeing their excitement and joy definitely makes anything better. However, I also find holidays with kids to be stressful. The 4th of July is no exception.
Before children, we would go to a parade, walk around the city festival, maybe come home for a nap, then hit the fireworks. It sounds like we could do all those things with the kids, especially the nap part, but that’s where you would be wrong.
Let me tell you about last year’s festivities.
We went to our neighborhood parade. Instead of just me and my husband parking far away and walking, we tried to find a closer spot, which took f-o-r-e-v-e-r. See with children, you need to bring a whole bunch of stuff…stroller, back pack leashes for when they won’t stay in the stroller, snacks, chairs, blanket for when they won’t sit in chairs, diapers, wipes, water, juice boxes for when they won’t drink water, sunscreen, hats for when they scream if you get within 1o feet of them with the sunscreen.
Once we got to our spot, I texted my brother to see if he wanted to meet. Of course, he was already there, and wasn’t moving from his spot, so we packed it all up again, and walked a mile down the street.
The kids loved the parade. The fire trucks, and marching bands were awesome. The candy was even better. Seriously, they got more candy at the parade than they did trick or treating. The only thing that wasn’t a big hit was when they fired off guns. Just too loud and scary. Even for me.
So, after stuffing themselves silly with candy, we gathered up everything and walked back 2 miles to the car. We tried to get them to take an early nap, so we could attend my husband’s work party. With all the sugar in their systems, that didn’t happen. Not even close.
All I have to say about the party is:
3 crabby children + a new place with tons of adults in a house without any child proofing = 1 stressed out mommy.
I didn’t get to eat or drink, just chase children and apologize for things getting spilled and knocked over.
By the time we left, I was in no mood to even attempt fireworks. Not only was I exhausted, but the twins were too, and fireworks started about 3 hours after their bedtime last year. My husband took our oldest, and we just went to bed.
This year is going to be a BETTER 4th of July. I am taking the stress out by planning the day right now.
Parade. Home. Done.
At least for mommy and the twins. That way, they can eat all the candy they want at the parade, and no one else will be exposed to their sugar crashes. Daddy will probably take the 5-year-old to the fireworks later. I don’t mind missing fireworks at all if it means relaxing at home while the twins are in bed at their normal bed time.
What do you have planned for the 4th this year? Hope you have a good Stress-free Holiday!
Hope this year is a lot less stressful for you. We always BBQ and do our own fireworks. Always have a great time 🙂
This year will be better, I’m sure! Let us know
Thank you! I hope so!
My family is cooking out ^^, nothing too special, but it always a good time 🙂
Sounds perfect!
Ha! Bringing young kids ANYWHERE is so much added time/energy/survival supplies…that often I end up wondering if that “special” outing was worth the trouble. I’m so happy that my kids are getting older and more able to go with the flow (I mean the youngest one is still 3, so we haven’t arrived yet, but, getting better). May the stars align and the toddlers be enjoyable to be around with any plans you have today 🙂
Thank you! Hope you have a great 4th too.
The boys look so lovely and I enjoy reading what everybody in the USA did/will be doing this 4th of July. 🙂
Thank you!
I love being able to relive things through kids’ eyes!
xo katie // a touch of teal
clicked to vote for your mommy blog 🙂 Great post!
Thank you so much!
Sounds like a smart plan! You have to know your own kids and what they can handle and what you want to handle!
Thank you!
Even without children, I often find the traffic and crowds involved in going to see fireworks stressful, so I can’t imagine trying to celebrate while watching three kids! This year I’m just doing a BBQ with some friends, nice and laid back 🙂 I hope you’re having a great Fourth!
Thank you! Can I come to your BBQ? 😉
It’s been a pretty tough year this, year since moving to Hawaii. So honestly we are just hiding out at home and I’m still healing from surgery. Writing. 😛
I bet! I hope you continue to heal and get healthy.
Thank you!
Ohhhh, you had me at relaxing at home with kids in bed by their normal time! That sounds absolutely wonderful!
Yes! It was so much better than fireworks!
I love the pictures and how any mom can relate to a post like this!
Thank you. I appreciate that.