4th of July {a day of sparkle!}

I love the 4th of July for 3 main reasons. 1) Hubs is off of work & we can hang out with the family all day soakin up the sunshine. 2) Glitter in the sky. Fireworks are just millions of sparkles overhead. So fabulous! 3) And this is the most important reason. This is a day where our entire country comes together to stand as a team. Political party doesn't matter {except to the politicians} and neither do any of our other differences. For one day, it's all about our similarities as people and AMERICANS...just how we teach our kids that it should be.

Now, on to some good celebrations. Since no one is working tomorrow, neither is my blog. Enjoy the day with these festive finds.

{Red, White & Blue Sangria}
At the risk of sounding like my Magic 8 Ball, will I be cutting the pineapple into those adorable little stars? My sources say no. But I'm sure it will still be delicious.

{Firecracker Cakes}
Pop Rocks. Get ready to find them because this will be a reoccurring theme in today's list. I won't have time to try these out this year but I think they are stinkin cute...and they explode in your mouth!

{Snap, Crackle & Pop Rocks cookies}
She added her pop rocks & sprinkles with frosting but how awesome would these be as ice cream sandwiches?! Put some vanilla between 2 cookies & then roll it in the edible firecrackers. Fun AND refreshing!

{Rocket Dogs}
I laughed out loud when I saw these. Hot dogs are a grilling staple, right? Even if I thought I wanted a hamburger I would have to change my mind when these were presented as an option!

{Let Freedom Rings}
Love. And so would any kid. Of any age.

And a couple of {cheap & easy} decorations
Paper frillies in mason jars & streamers weaved over a table. Ta-da! Instant party.

To keep your kiddos busy...
How about an ongoing game of Bingo?  Who can find a hot dog, flip flop or  popsicle first?  This {free printable} will keep them busy while the grill is firing up.

Or grab your pool rings and water bottles from the cooler for a super cheap DIY ring toss!

If you have little little ones who have to go to bed before the fireworks, help them feel included be creating fireworks in a jar for them to keep on their dresser when they go to sleep.

Another super simple game for any hot day: grab a paintbrush & a bucket of water and see how many times your child can write their name, sight words or math facts {whatever you want to work on} before the water evaporates from the sidewalk.

If they're old enough to use a sparkler {wahoo!} do like the outdoor weddings have taught us and use those to write sight words as well!  Chances of singed hair highly decreased when fingers have something to do with the wand of fire.  ;)

Happy 4th of July everyone! And thank you to all who have served {past, present & future} to keep our country strong.