Celebrating Independence Day

7/12/2018

American Flag Cake

After reading Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder with Audrey this past year, I was inspired to recreate a real old-fashioned 4th of July for my family. In the story, Almanzo and his family got dressed up in their finest clothes and made their way to the town square to celebrate Independence Day. The big band played and the flag flew as the whole town gathered together and sat on blankets in the grass to eat their picnic lunches. Everyone sang "The Star Spangled Banner" and then listened to the Declaration of Independence read aloud. "Almanzo felt solemn and very proud". Finally, cannons were shot to end the festivities. After reading this account of the day, I knew I wanted my children to also feel "solemn and very proud" just like Almanzo. I wanted my children to wait with anticipation for the booming cannons to declare our independence. I then ordered our Independence Day Celebration with these goals in mind.

We began our Independence Day Celebration with American Flag Waffles for breakfast. Then we go dressed in our most patriotic attire and read our very favorite book for this day, The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh. After reading, we painted Independence Day Glitter Stars. We also made American Flag Cake and Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookies to go with dinner. The best part of the day came next. We read aloud the Declaration of Independence and sang "The Star Spangled Banner". After singing, we lit our sparklers (taking the place of cannons) with excitement and pride. Finally, we went to watch some spectacular fireworks.