Happy Birthday America!

Today is 4th of July and you all know what that means…

Did you get your Old Navy t-shirt?

When exactly did this become a tradition?

I don’t ever remember my parents buying me a flag shirt on 4th of July.

I think the tradition began when Old Navy opened and we were all sucked in by some great retail marketing and the price of a $5 t-shirt.

I thought it would be nice to once again do my civic duty and remind you all what this holiday is all about.

Beyond the sparklers, fireworks, picnics, and the red, white and blue (and sometimes grey) Old Navy t-shirts, today is a day of celebration of our great nation’s independence! It is a day to remember how lucky we are to live in America.

It is also a great day to remember those service men and women who are the real heroes every day. They serve our country so we can all be free.

My heartfelt thank you to each and every one of them and when we light sparklers tonight in our backyard, they will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I would be remiss if I didn’t confess right here and now that we bought into the Old Navy marketing scheme. In fact, I did a little historical research and we bought into it starting in 1995 which was the 2nd year they were opened. I think it was the year they introduced those darn t-shirts. (But maybe I missed them the first year?)

Here is the photographic evidence and it is the only holiday where we have ever dressed alike as a family. No comments on the parents, but those kids were pretty cute in their flag shirts…but I know I’m biased.

I didn’t want to bore you with every year we did it but it was fun and the kids really did and still do like it. It was bonus fun when we added Scary Baby and had to buy SIX shirts.

And again in 2003. This is the year Wizzy was taller than everyone. Probably a year that The Grunter would rather I didn’t post here.

In 2006 I got really fancy and tried to take a picture in the dark with the sparklers. As you can see, my night photography skills need some work.

This might be the first year I didn’t buy the shirts. Oops, I forgot. I’ll let you know if everyone gets through the day or wears last year’s shirt. I’m pretty sure they’ll all be okay.

The kids have planned a bonfire and cookout with boyfriends and girlfriends in our backyard. Granny is here and did not adhere to my $20 fireworks budget which was clearly enough for a box of sparklers for everyone.

She tells me that she is allowed to spoil them while she’s here. I hope that means she’s going to supervise them with the gigantic pack of expensive, loud, explosive items they hoodwinked her into buying for them yesterday!

Take some pictures, enjoy time with family and friends and have a very Happy 4th of July!