Most years for the Fourth, we're usually traveling, in or around the water, and we've blown half our grocery money on fireworks. If not, it just doesn't seem right. Well, this year, we stayed home. Didn't travel anywhere. Didn't go to the lake. Didn't buy any fireworks (I know, almost un-American). But all was right in the world. Well, our little world, that is.I missed strapping on a ski and feeling the smooth-as-glass water underfoot, but it was fun to start our own little traditions on dry land. (I have to say though, we do have a 'boat fund'). We started out the morning with a small neighborhood parade. The kids loved it because we could walk there, and there was candy! Woohoo! Best. Day. Ever. if you ask them. From there we went to downtown Wayzata for a little reenactment by the colonialists. Very educational! Bonus ;)  We topped it off with staying out after bedtime for the "real" fireworks. (But we did park miles away so we didn't get stuck in all the crazy that goes along with holidays like this.)  They looked a little smaller than expected, but we didn't have to feel the BOOMS in our chest or cover our ears. Nor did we have to sit in traffic with drunk people, as our over-tired kiddos whined from the back, "How many more minutes 'til we get home?!?!" It was pretty much a Win - Win ;)So here's the recap - - -