Breaking Traditions

I hope everyone had a happy 4th of July!

Throughout high school, my friend Emily and I traditionally went out on her boat every Independence Day. We would tan, eat lunch, swim, and then dock in Annapolis to watch the fireworks. I don't have many holiday traditions, so the 4th of July became one of my favorites. But following my recent theme of change, this year's 4th was a little different. There were thunderstorms in Annapolis and we unfortunately couldn't go out. Instead, some friends and I found something new to do. We had s'mores at my house until it got dark, and then we went to the Lake Fairfax fireworks. The entire avenue up to the park was filled with traffic and cars lining the street. We got dropped off and walked through the woods to find the park! Thank god for technology and flashlight apps! We came to find an abandoned house in a clearing next to the lake, where lots of people watched the fireworks through a break in the trees. The fireworks were short but great! When we went back towards the woods, the trees looked like they were glittering because of the thousands of lightning bugs in them! It was really nice to get outside and do something on a whim :)

Mat, Inanje, Me, Brendan, and Clare watching fireworks

Happy 235th birthday America! No matter what I'm doing on Independence Day, I never forget the troops that give me the freedom to enjoy my life. Nights like this - filled with little joys like friends, fireworks, and lightning bugs - make me forever thankful.