Shots Across The Bow

Our 4th of July

This year, we did something different for the 4th of July. Instead of having the Nashville branch of the Hailey clan come to East Tn., we went to Nashville. My aunt was celebrating her retirement from Sears, and we combined her party with my mother's birthday(July 3) and my daughter's birthday (July 14) into one spectacular blowout.

For more, including lots of pictures, click the link below.

I know some of you are wondering if we were able to continue our tradition of smoking inordinate amounts of pork over a creatively acquired pig pit.

But of course. The beauty of the Hailey Pit is that all you need is an unguarded construction site and you're in business.

In another bold and daring idea, we decided that instead of getting motel rooms, we would all camp out, setting up a tent compound in my aunt and uncle's backyard.

Unfortunately, we failed to consider one important factor.

It was July.

It was hot. I mean really hot. And humid. I know it hits 120 in Iraq, but at least that's a dry heat. I knew it would be rough, but hey, it was a family thing, right?

The kids and I put up our three tents, and got ready to settle in with the rest of the family. Except that they weren't setting up tents. My sister took her family to stay with one cousin. My brother took his girlfriend to stay with another cousin. heck, even one of my kids went to stay with his cousin in a motel.

My kids and I were the only ones brave enough (or stupid enough, depending on your point of view) to camp out.

It wasn't pleasant.

Morning came early the next day, and the party began.

Matt had gone to a lot of trouble getting the house and patio ready for the party, and his efforts really paid off.

Of course, with the heat, there were several who chose to stay inside, in the air conditioning.

While others, braved the heat, getting into a mean game of basketball.

Of course, Hailey's have a unique style of basketball, one which requires considerable co-ordination and concentration.

Let's see Michael Jordan do that!

Partying over a long weekend is a matter of pacing yourself. Some are strong out of the gate:

But can't go the distance:

It takes dedication and experience to keep the party going all weekend long. This youngster shows definite potential:

All in all, it was a great time (we spent the second night ina motel. Sweet air conditioning!), and everyone got along well, which is good, since we're all going to Panama City in two weeks.

Florida will never be the same...

Posted by Rich at July 10, 2003 6:21 PM | TrackBack