Yesterday was one of the best fourth of July celebrations I have ever experienced. That is a bold statement since I have experienced a good many Independence Day celebrations. But few have come close the massive family gathering we had yesterday.

I was invited early in the day to my brother’s house for festivities for the evening. There was to be a barbecue, fireworks, children… all sorts of stuff that makes a fourth of July party really cool for everyone involved. There were kids, food, drinks, family, fireworks, laughter… I mean, it has been a while since I have experienced that.

The best part of all of it was that I got to hang with my family for a good while. My kids did, too. Plus we were all able to eat good, drink a little (I stress a little – half a Heineken and a small glass of wine) and play with fireworks. And while I cannot legally say that there were fireworks generally prohibited by the city of Newark, I can say that those fireworks that we did have were freaking exceptional.

The coup de gras came at the end of the night when the old younger boys lit off three magnificent fireworks that gave the entire block a show they would not forget. It was so cool that the Newark Police stopped by the neighborhood to get a peak. Unfortunately for them the show had just ended. Maybe next year guys.

All in all it was a wonderful night. A few hours out of the house spent with family and having fun… I couldn’t ask for anything else.

Except my wife to be with me. But maybe she will be healthy enough to come next year.