a traditional 4th of july celebration

Traditions. We all have them. Sometimes they begin in a very intentional way. In our family, for example, the birthday boy or girl gets to choose their birthday dinner- and while we sometimes offer suggestions, whatever they pick is it. We intentionally began the tradition when our oldest child turned two as a way to make the day special for her.

But sometimes traditions begin without any thought or plan- like the first time we had pizza for dinner on Christmas Eve because I had to work that day and it was an easy dinner. There was no thought process to continue having pizza on that day. But for whatever reason we did it again the following year... and the one after that... and, in fact, we have had pizza on Christmas Eve for more than two decades since that first time. It is tradition. And our now-grown children have continued that tradition with their families.

So my question is: when is it no longer just something you did but a tradition?

Last year we celebrated the 4th of July a few days early in Payson with our "MR KLUD" friends. We had a delightful time playing games and shooting Peeps. As summer approached this year, someone said, "We need to go to Payson for the 4th of July. And don't forget the Peeps- it's tradition!" So, after each couple acquired pellet guns, we went. And we had another Peep Shooting Competition- guys vs gals. And we played games.

Yellow Peeps were 1 point, pink Peeps were 2 points, and green Peeps were 3 points with a bonus point for hitting more than one. After three sets, GALS RULED!!!! Tradition??

This year also went on a short hike to see the Natural Bridge at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. It was a cool, overcast day- a prefect time to be outdoors! After a short walk from the parking area we approached the top side of the bridge. We watched lots of birds flying near, around and under the bridge. A park ranger told us they build their nests, which look like part of the bridge, on the underside of the top of the bridge.

From topside, the bridge looks rather small and unimpressive.

It started to sprinkle a bit as we set off for a better view of the bridge. 

As we walked across the top of the bridge and then around and down the trail, we could see how wide the bridge is but still had no appreciation for its depth.

I am often amazed at the diversity of wildlife that coexists- the scaly lizards and the soft butterflies, the bright red bird that stands out and the lizards that blend in with their environment. Large or small, pretty or dowdy, hardy or fragile, each one is uniquely created for a purpose. 

Beauty abounds in nature!

We soon made our way down to the observation deck on Pine Creek. From this closer vantage point, the immenseness of the bridge was apparent. 

According the the park pamphlet, Tonto Natural Bridge is "the largest natural travertine bridge in the world! It stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point." In other words, it's not just big, it's HUGE!!

After our hike, as we were walking through the parking area, we stopped to watch a couple of javalina and noticed a large blackberry patch. The sweet, juicy berries were a delicious and refreshing post-hike snack!

That evening, just before dark, we drove to a high clear spot to watch Payson's annual fireworks show- a truly memorable display! There was a tremendous thunderstorm earlier in the afternoon and we were afraid the fireworks show might be cancelled. Although it sprinkled on and off, the show did go on but I left my camera at the house- so no photos. 

Later that night I wondered if it would be "tradition" to not just shoot Peeps and play games but to also go for a hike and watch fireworks next 4th of July. I guess time will tell.