Tradition.

The 4th of July was always a favorite of mine growing up. My house is the "go to" for summer holidays because we have a pool and large backyard...everybody else fights over Thanksgiving/Easter/Christmas. But I digress.

I look back fondly on all holidays as a child, but I hold a special place in my heart for the 4th. I remember waking early and peeking out the window to see the sun streaking across the blades of green grass in our yard, begging to be groomed. After gulping down a quick bowl of sugar-laden cereal, I headed out to the backyard where my father would be slaving over the lawn, assuring it was even in all spots. Of course, I had to help. Sometimes he would let me push the mower a few stripes, always assuring I was wearing safety glasses and soundblocking ear muffs...and of course my work gloves...all while donning my bathing suit and current pair of jelly shoes. I was the fashionista of the late 80's, I'll have you know.

No 4th of July was complete until I knew my swing set was in perfect working order, and ready for a day of abuse by myself and two favorite cousins. The three of us together were always wreaking havoc of some sort somewhere during family holidays...namely the backyard and in the pool. We could also be found dripping wet on the patio fresh out of the water, holding sparklers lit off of my uncles seemingly endless cigar (I believe we used the term "punk") and throwing fire crackers and getting yelled at by the aunts and mothers in the house. "Why are you letting the kids play with fire crackers?!?" Ahh yes, the 4th of July.

Of all things 4th of July, my favorite tradition was the annual cement block my father would make. He would build a small mold of out 2x4's and pour cement, creating a large brick. Every 4th of July he would help me place my hands and feet in the cement, creating a lasting visual memory of how much I had grown that year. When my brother was born, he was added to the tradition as well. Eventually I outgrew the mold for the cement blocks, so we stopped. I'm not sure why we ever started this odd time line of cement masterpieces, but I'm thankful we did. Nothing says Happy 4th of July like the feeling of cold cement between your toes on a hot summer's morning!