The City of Independence, Oregon does the 4th of July well. They actually host two large fireworks shows that are some of the best I’ve seen put on by a city smaller than 250,000 — which is saying something since Independence is a town of 7,500. Anyway, tonight, they had the city appreciation day fireworks. We took the boys (since the crowds are smaller) and Nathan loved it. I was walking with him in my arms while we were looking for a neon glow stick when the first fireworks exploded. All I heard was “WOW!!!” and that was it. I heard oohs, and ahs…some wows and whoos, followed by occasional clapping. He definitely loved them. And the fireworks show is about just the right size — 25 minutes for the city appreciation show. The larger fireworks show runs ~45 minutes. Anyway, given that Nathan enjoyed it, we will likely be looking for other fireworks shows over the next two days. Fortunately, Kenny loves the fireworks as well — and he’s getting so much braver. At the fireworks celebration, they have a festival and for the first time — he was riding rides all by himself. Very cool.
–TR