The 2026 Independence Day weekend is now in the books. This year’s holiday brought beautiful weather and a semiquincetennial (happy 250th birthday, America!). With the Fourth of July falling on a Saturday, it meant that many people were given Friday (July 3) off. Sid and I both were afforded this luxury. Here is how we spent our three-day holiday weekend…

Blurry Fourth of July photos are the best photos, right? Let’s take a look at how we spent the Independence Day weekend.

Friday, July 3

We started the Fourth of July weekend off by visiting the Southside Aquatic Center. One of Spokane County’s swimming facilities, it comes complete with water slides, a lazy river, and water structures to climb on. We spent every minute of the three-hour session enjoying the water and sun. With Beau considerably taller this summer than last, he was able to go down the slides for the first time.

Beau excited after going down one of the Southside Aquatic Center water slides. This is the first year he can actually use them.

Later that night, we headed north to a community called Colbert where one of my childhood best friends (John Toguchi) owns some beautiful property. On this particular evening, he offered some Fourth of July magic by hauling out one of those large outdoor screens and showing the 1996 blockbuster “Independence Day.” A popcorn machine was on-site along with soda and candy. Because I had Sloan and Beau, I thought we would catch maybe 45-60 minutes of the movie and then go home. Boy, was I wrong. Sloan was so engaged and mesmerized by the movie that we stayed for the entire 2.5-hour runtime. We didn’t arrive home until 12:30 a.m.

My friend John plays with Sloan and Beau as we await for the sun to go down. You can see the move screen in the distance. Sloan absolutely loved “Independence Day.”

Saturday, July 4

As per our relatively new tradition (three years strong, baby!), we started Independence Day 2026 by driving out to Coeur d’Alene, ID, for the city’s American Heroes Parade. I must say, I think this year’s parade was the most enjoyable one yet as the kids sat relatively still and the patriotism was in abundant supply.

Beau and Sloan pose for a photo at the 2026 Coeur d’Alene American Heroes Parade. It was the third straight year we attended the parade.

Later that day we went over to my parents’ house for their traditional Fourth of July cookout. We played sports, ate steaks, sipped beverages, and celebrated America.

Of course we had to pose for a family photo at my parents’ house. Happy 250th birthday, America!

We then made a return visit out to John’s property for his private fireworks show. He had a setup that would earn him the immediate respect of any professional pyrotechnic. The show was incredible as it was choreographed to music and the fireworks were literally exploding just above our heads. After going to a park the past three years for a public show, this year’s experience just packed more intimacy and a bigger BOOM. As we made the 40-minute drive back home, we watched fireworks light up the sky around us.

Sid and the kids enjoy the fireworks. Sidney would eventually have to take Beau about 10 feet back because the close proximity of the fireworks scared him just a little.

Sunday, July 5

The last day of our Independence Day weekend started with 9 a.m. mass. It was the debut of Fr. Curtis Seidel at St. Mary. The gospel was Jesus’ invitation to follow him and receive rest (Matthew 11:25-30). Fr. Seidel used the passage to reflect on his 12-year priesthood and relate that things have always worked out better when he trusted in the Lord as opposed to tackling projects and assignments by himself.

Not a church photo but it does foreshadow the rest of the day (Sloan would help bake a cake…this is her topping it).

Back at home, I took Beau down to the pickleball court and rallied back-and-forth. It is nice to see Beau’s skills continue to improve. After I finished some yard work, Beau joined me back outside for some front porch sitting as he received some screen time and I read my book.

Beau plays pickleball with me on Sunday. He is becoming a decent player.

Later that evening, the kids helped me bake a pound cake. We then capped the weekend with an outdoor cookout…have I mentioned that the weather was beautiful? 😉

We had a back yard cookout on Sunday night.

————–

Thank God for this country and a wonderful weekend. I am excited to continue this month of sun and relaxation. Don’t Blink.