Independence Day Celebration

Laurel, still wet from swimming, is now dressed for patriotic partying.

swimming, America's favorite summer sport

What a fabulous Independence Day celebration we had at our son’s home!  The festivities included red, white and blue games and activities for the children, six cousins ages 4-9.  Motivated by patriotic fervor, the disturbing national statistic that 25% of the US population does not know from which country we declared independence,  and her  homeschool mama/teacher drive to educate her children, the games were really civics lessons in disguise.  The children  loved it.  I am sharing the details with you in hopes that Shelly’s ideas will be incorporated into future Independence Day celebrations and that appalling statistic will be significantly reduced.

Given the possibility of rain, swimming was the first activity on the agenda.  Of course, this was the children’s first choice as well. 

 While the adults visited and applauded the children’s strokes, dives, somersaults and belly flops, the little ones played with reckless abandon.  Four year-old Robert started the day with a belly ache and was a reluctant participant all day.  Still, while cuddled up on my lap, sucking his thumb, he enjoyed watching the swimmers. But then the lessons/games began.

Let's make a flag.

Gathering the children around her, Shelly asked what they knew about July 4th, Independence Day and against which country we fought for our freedom. Nine year-old Zachary knew all the answers but all the children could answer at least some.

After a brief explanation of the Revolutionary War, Shelly played to the 4 boys’ testosterone-driven love of fighting.  She pinned prints of the British flag, King George and British soldiers to the trees and turned the children loose with water balloons.  Nearly two hundred and forty years after the first battles, the British were defeated yet again, but this time by our American children.

comparing today's flag with the first American flag

Inside, on the dining room table, were the makings of a paper American flag, circa 1776.  Between questions and discussion, the children learned the meaning of the number of stars and red stripes and constructed the flag.  They even talked about Betsey Ross.

Next was an indoor scavenger hunt.  The children were given clues and information about the bald eagle, the official seal and other symbols of our country before they found images hidden throughout the house.

digging for coins with George Washington's image (quarters!)

Finally, she gave a brief synopsis of the life and achievements of George Washington and showed them a picture of our first president.  In a bin filled with buttons and coins, the children were instructed to gather as many coins as they could with George Washington’s picture.  The quarters were all counted and each child was given a lollipop for his effort.

There was some discussion about the individual state quarters and the children then examined their coins.  Of course, there was a lot of excitement when a Florida quarter was discovered.  But then a cousin from South Carolina found his state and his excitement was infectious.  When it was announced that each child was allowed to keep 4 quarters,  the decision making took up every minute until dinner was served.  I decided on the spot to get pick up the collector cards for the quarters and get Robert and Laurel started.

red, white and blue trifle

The menu was standard July 4th fare– burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad and other all-American foods.   Shelly had made a trifle for dessert, along with homemade ice cream sandwiches.  I had brought the remaining cupcakes, along with another dozen which I baked before coming.  These were carefully guarded as Hannah regularly prowled the kitchen checking the location of the cupcakes and me, the guard.

Finally, the food was put up and everything  put away before everyone loaded up to go see the fireworks. And, as our local weekly paper said so often, a good time was had by all.

Laurel, making a finger flag

Life is good, here in Florida, here in America.  May it ever be so.