A fantastic fourth

I've never been really big on the 4th of July. I'm probably one of the less patriotic people you'll meet and grew up in the dry West Texas desert (i.e., chances for wildfires = fewer fireworks) and spent the holiday in front of the TV with the family watching fireworks in far corners of the country. This year turned out to be pretty special though.



We began the holiday on Friday by grilling out at Ravena and Amanda's and followed it up with an attempted walk (later drive) to the cute little fireworks show in South Riding. It was the perfect length, and I forced myself to forget we were watching right by a bank and Giant grocery store. We even got a little crazy and set off some fireworks on of our own once back at their house. Kind of funny to see a group of 30-year olds make so much noise setting them off. I know the neighbors assumed it was a group of ne'er do well teens.



Allie blew into town on Saturday, and Monday we headed down to Richmond to do some lounging along the James. What can I say? It was perfect.



Picking our way across the rocks. A minor water gun fight. Soaking up the sun.



We followed that with sushi at our favorite sushi restaurant (nothing says freedom like sushi) and a terribly painful showing of the new Transformers.



Perfection.