A Fourth to be reckoned with

It's a given that all the major holidays — even the small ones, really — are planned around my family. It always has been this way for me, and so, when these  days come around, and my friends are planning epic nights of wonder and alcohol, I already know that I won't be in attendance. I won't lie, sometimes it really bums me out that I don't get to participate; there definitely is some major FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) usually occurring. Still, when I'm with my family, I realize how important it is to have one. They're more than my friends, because they know me best, and the unconditional love that they provide is unmatched. Not only am I reminded of how much i need my family, but of how much they need me, too.

I watched my twin nephews swim in an overcrowded pool this weekend, during our "staycation" in Waikiki. We took them to Benihana's for the first time, where they were mesmerized by the cooking act of flying utensils and food. We followed up dinner with Lapert's ice cream and then mosied on down to the beach for the fireworks. We sat in the same spot as last year, forgetting our sweaters (again) and not bringing enough blankets to sit on (again).  Still, the boys played in the sand, making mountains for each of us (the homes we'd live in one day). They've already decided that we'd be neighbors and therefore in eachother's lives forever, I could only hope in that moment that they'd always feel this way.

 The show started and ended with a bang. In those lulled moments, when waiting for the next firework to explode, I looked around at my family, whose faces were turned up and illuminated in colors, and realize that there really is no place I'd rather be. There's no party or drinking spectacle that I'd rather attend, then this party right here. I may have forgotten this Fourth of July, had I chosen to go with my friends, but I'll always remember this one, and look forward to the next. 

The boys fell asleep at 10 — a late bedtime for them — but Mom, Sister and I stayed up talking story. It was a much-needed break for all of us. I can only hope that your Fourth was as memorable and meaningful as mine.