Celebrating Freedom & Family

 How the Fourth Became Our Biggest Party

Every family has that one holiday, the one that feels bigger, louder, and more meaningful than the rest. For us, that holiday has always been the Fourth of July. It’s fireworks and freedom, yes, but it’s also something much more personal: it’s my grandmother’s birthday, the woman everyone adores, and over the years, it has grown into a celebration that stretches far beyond just the patriotic meaning of the day.

A Birthday Worth Celebrating

Growing up, the Fourth was always a big deal in my family, not just because of the holiday, but because it was Noni's actual birthday. And if there’s anyone who deserves an entire nation setting off fireworks in her honor, it’s her. She has this incredible way of making everyone feel welcome, loved, heard, and seen, which is probably why so many relatives-both close and distant, show up for the occasion.

But then something interesting happened. The celebration didn’t just stay hers. It expanded, and we found another reason to make it even bigger.

The Unexpected Birthday Addition

Enter Gramps—Tyler’s grandfather—who casually let it slip one year that he never really celebrated his birthday growing up. The thing is, his birthday is in July, too. So naturally, I decided that was unacceptable. If Grandma got fireworks, cake, and half the town showing up, Gramps deserved something, too.

So we sing to him. Every year. Right alongside Noni. And despite his claims that he never cared much about birthdays, the way he lights up when he sees all his friends and family gather, it's clear how happy it makes him.

Carrying on the Tradition

At some point, I took on the responsibility of planning and hosting the annual Fourth of July bash. What started as just a birthday picnic for Grandma has transformed into a massive event, with both sides of the family, plenty of friends, and enough food to feed an army.

Water balloon fights, cornhole, badminton matches that somehow turn way too competitive, the kids playing with water laughing and the simple joy of seeing everyone, just for one day, truly get along—it’s these little moments that make it special.

The best part? The tradition continues to grow. Every year, we add something new—a new guest, a new game, a new laugh-out-loud memory. And as long as Noni and Gramps are still here to blow out their candles, I’ll make sure we keep the celebration going.

The Meaning Behind It All

At its heart, this tradition is about more than just birthdays or fireworks; it’s about family. About making people feel loved, included, and celebrated, no matter how big or small the reason.

So as we gather this year, singing for Noni and Gramps, dodging water balloons, and watching the night sky light up, I’ll take a moment to soak it all in. Because these are the moments we hold onto. The ones that remind us that celebrations aren’t just about the date on the calendar, they’re about the people who make them unforgettable. Here are some pictures from over the years at our Fourth of July celebrations.⬇️

At the end of the day, family is complicated. There will be disagreements, old grudges, and moments when you question how you're even related to some of these people. Actually, in my case, my mom was adopted into the family, so I'm not technically related to anyone here by blood. 😂 But if there's one thing I've learned from hosting our Fourth of July bash, it's this: there is something deeply valuable about showing up, about celebrating together, even when things aren’t perfect. Because these moments, these traditions, are what bind us. So keep your family close, even when it’s messy, even when it’s hard, because one day, you’ll look back and realize these were the moments that mattered most.