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Happy Belated 4th of July
location: Home
mood: 
content
contentAnyway, our tradition for July 3 has been to go to the Charles River Esplanade to listen to the Boston Pops Orchestra. They don't do the coordinated fireworks on the 3rd, but this also means the crowds aren't as bad. I love fireworks, but I hate the crowds. I kid you not, up to 2 million people show up on this little strip of land next to the river. It is absolutely packed. So, July 3 has fewer people with the same music but no fireworks. This means, however, that we can hang out with friends or whatever on the 4th.
This year, the music didn't seem to last as long as in years past, and it seemed that much of the show was geared toward the television audience. Blue Man Group performed, but only people in the oval of the Hatch Shell can see the stage. You have to go through security to get into this section (and stand in wicked long lines), so I won't sit there. Anyway, I'm sure the folks in the oval enjoyed BMG, but it was rather boring for the three of us. On the other hand, we were really excited about John Mellencamp playing this year since he is one of Aaron's favorites. He only played 2 songs!! WTF?? I mean, I know it isn't supposed to be a Mellencamp concert, but even Steven Tyler of Aerosmith played more songs than that last year. The songs sounded good and all, but I would have appreciated at least one more like Jack and Diane or Pink Houses. Aaron figures Mellencamp didn't sing Pink Houses because it's not really politically correct. *roll eyes* Rock 'n' Roll isn't supposed to be politically correct.
Anyway, we enjoyed sitting under a tree near the river, eating our yummy subs, reigning in Caleb when necessary, and listening to the music. After a fight with Caleb because he seemed to have forgotten how to sleep on us, he fell asleep happily and we enjoyed the second half of the performance.
On the 4th itself, Caleb took a nearly 4-hour nap. When he FINALLY woke up, we went to West Roxbury to hang out with our friends Hillary and Emily at their block party. H&E live on a street which gets completely blocked off for the 4th, and the families pitch tents like a tailgate party in their yards. There's BBQ, pies, and lots of Americana. Caleb was charming, choosing carrots over cookies (and this is my son??), and we got to catch up with our friends after such a long time of not seeing them.
Later that night, I got together with my friend Stephanie, and we enjoyed some salads, drinks, chocolate, and played a game of Set. I'm lousy at Set, but Stephanie was patient with me.
Today is the day after, and I feel oddly hungover despite not drinking much at all. Caleb and I are taking it easy, and I'm trying not to think about packing.