Day Fifteen

What long day, but a good one.  We started our 4th of July off, by heading 50 miles west to Batavia to spend the day in the garden and then attend the fireworks.  As is the case with Geneva, we have a long history of going out to Batavia for the fireworks since it is where my mom grew up and is where I spent most of my summers growing up.  Our biggest excitement in the garden:

Butterfly bush!

I cannot begin to tell you how many attempts have been made to try and get this plant to grow.  My grandmother tried for years before I tried.  I don't even remember planting it where it is currently growing but it is growing and it was almost pulled up as a weed before it was blooming and I saved it and it's blooming and it's wonderful and I'm thrilled.  There were lots of pretty parts of the garden that we can be pleased with for just a few:

Cosmos

Monarda

Clematis

We are also beginning to see some success with the vegetables:

Broccoli

Cayenne Pepper

Grape Tomatoes

After lots of weeding and watering and enjoying of the garden, it was time to make the trek to the fireworks and as usual after the trek to the fireworks, there was a whole lot of waiting. The only moment of sadness was when my mom decided not to join us for the fireworks:

But the show was spectacular as usual.  When we returned we continued our tradition of pop-its and sparklers plus this year we added in watermelon.  Then it was time to head home and we arrived well past midnight, tired but happy with another 4th of July well spent.

Today's Academics:

• There is a whole lot of science to fireworks.

Meghan's Current Book(s):

• The Penderwicks at Point Mouette, by Jeanne Birdsall

Rachel's Current Book(s):

• In Triumph's Wake, by Gulia Gelardi

Today's Images:

The plant she is looking at is Borage

Heading to the fireworks

Waiting for the fireworks

It's almost time for fireworks and definitely time to glow

The aftermath!