The Fourth of July used to look a little different before kids.
We typically spend this holiday with my husband’s family up in Lake Geneva, and it has honestly become one of my favorite traditions. The days were once filled with boating, late nights, plenty of food and perhaps too many cocktails… I’ve been embracing a little more moderation lately.
A lot of these things still exist, they just look a little different now that kids have become part of the party.
Now the kids get to run around with their cousins, swim, eat and sleep all weekend – what’s not to enjoy?! I want my kids to look back at the Fourth of July and remember this easy kind of fun and how magical this part of summer is.
Something I’ve realized recently is that these moments aren’t just for our kids… they’re for us too. As parents these memories are just as special or maybe a little bit more so. We get to experience life through their eyes while also creating memories of our own. We get to play, laugh, be silly and soak in all these moments we know we’ll miss one day.
I don’t want to get too caught up in trying to make the best memories for my kids that I forget to be a part of it. So here are some ways I’m planning to make this Fourth of July memorable for all of us:
Being Present
The best way to start being present is by putting away distractions… Yes, I’m talking about our phones. Keep it in your bag and only take it out for pictures that you truly want to capture!
Another way I’m being present is by utilizing resources that make parenting a little easier. We’ll be doing a lot of swimming this Fourth of July and while Noah loves to swim, he’s still learning. I bought him a swim vest, and it has been a total game changer. I’m not in any way saying to give this to your kid and leave them alone in a body of water – supervision is still important. However, when you have two little ones it definitely offers a peace of mind. I can stay close, hold onto James in her life vest, and let Noah practice becoming more independent in the water. Instead of two kids hanging on me the entire time, I can actually play with them and be a more present mom… and that’s the whole point!
Festive Outfits
Let’s be real, your kids are only going to let you dress them for so long. This is such a fun way to lean into the holiday and instantly makes the day feel more special. There’s something about seeing kids in these festive clothes that make these memories so sweet. This year, we made the kids DIY shirts so that all the cousins match! It would be fun to do something like this yearly. If you’re not into the DIY thing, Old Navy and Target are my favorite places to shop for Fourth of July outfits!
Create Moments of Play
The pool this year is going to be a big part of our Fourth of July this year, so I’m planning to bring our favorite water toys! Some of these include reusable water balloons, water blasters and diving toys. As the cousins get older, it’d be fun to host a water balloon fight or watch them throw diving toys in the pool and see who can find the most! These are all small ways activities become traditions.
Make a Specific Food
The first time I came to Joey’s family’s Fourth of July party, I made Rice Krispy Treats and they were a big hit! This was probably well over 10 years ago and I think I’ve made them once time since, but I’m bringing them back this year! I love baking, so this is also a fun activity for me to get excited about! Find what you love to make (it can be so simple), and make it your thing! These simple traditions might be something that people remember most.
Have a “Mom Moment”
Something I don’t want to forget is that I’m here to enjoy the day too! Take the time to have conversations. Laugh with your people and catch up with those you don’t see often. I don’t get to see my sisters-in-law nearly enough, and I’m so excited to catch up with them as well as the rest of Joey’s family. This may seem tough to do with little ones around. But, chances are there are plenty of people around who’d love to take your kids off your hands for a bit – take them up on it and enjoy the break!
Take a Photo in the Same Spot Each Year
If you go to the same place each year, find a spot you love and take a photo there. If you switch up locations, try to take a photo of your family in the same pose each year!
This can lead to such a cool collection for you to look back on and see hoe much your family has grown.
Protect Your Peace
While holidays are supposed to be fun, I understand they can also be a lot.
Try to keep one thing in your routine the same even if your schedule changes. For me, this is walking first thing in the morning. It’s special time to myself and something that grounds me because I do it every day. If you need to step away from the crowds for a bit to recharge, let your partner know how you’re feeling and take a five minute break to sit by yourself. You will be your best self when you feel at peace.
At the end of the day, the Fourth of July is just one day. But it’s a special opportunity to spend a day with people we love and to celebrate the great country we live in. My hope is that by being present, starting traditions, and truly enjoying the day, we can create lasting memories our family will carry forever.
I hope you have a happy and safe Fourth of July!
Hoping to get a photo of all four of us together this year, ha!!
XO,
Kassie
