Ten years ago, I believe we spent July 4th outside of Buena Vista, CO. Five years ago, we spent it in Highlands Ranch, CO, marveling the Denver fireworks. One year ago, we spent it in Ballwin...reliving the "boom boom fireworks" many nights over and over, thanks to Benny's obsession with not liking fireworks. Each of those nights are special in our memories. The same with this 4th. We spent it with friends old and new...even with friends from Romania. We really enjoyed catching with the Leopolds, chatting about the old days in CO, and loved spending time with the Martins. Highlights of this year include watching the kids chase rabbits through 3 yards, playing washers (man of the house is still undefeated), helping the kids catch fireflys, eating great food, watching the stellar fireworks put on by Kirkwood, and being able to eat outside with virtually no oppressive heat, bugs and humidity. We lit a cintronella candle, but I also sprayed (what I though was) very copious amounts of mosquito spray. Still not mastering the small things in life, I accidentally grabbed the ant and roach spray. Oh, it stunk...but hey, no critters of any kind after that. Ain't life great!