My name is Sophia. Today is the 4th of July, my favorite holiday. It’s a day full of joy, family, and celebration. I’m currently 6 years old, and my mom told me and my brother, Joey that we’re going to celebrate this holiday at my Aunt Melena’s House.

I love my Aunt Melena, don’t get me wrong, but I have no idea what to expect at her house for this holiday… Me and my family have always, just the four of us, went swimming in the pool, ate barbeque, and watched fireworks in the back of my Dad’s truck at a nearby show.

But this year is different, and I don’t think I like it. Why can’t we just stick to our usual traditions? We have fun every year, and that’s why I love it so much.

But why Mom?

I don’t want to have to see more ‘family’ who I don’t even know and will bombard me with questions about my life. “How’s your summer going?” “When does school start?” “What’s your favorite subject?” It’s so annoying!!

How's it going kid?

I remember when you were a little baby...

I can’t believe my mom is making us do this. I mean yes we still got our pool time, just the four of us, but now it’s time to leave my safe and steady backyard for this stupid party.

Time to go guys!

As I look out of the backseat window, the sunset is crimson orange and looks spectacular, unlike how I know this party won’t be.

When my family and I arrive at the party, you can’t see any part of the get-together from the front of the house. All I see are so many cars lined all the way down the street, and I just know I’m going to get attacked with way-too-personal questions.

However, I put on a smile because my mom seems so happy to be spending this holiday with her sister. I hold my mom’s hand as we walk toward the backyard. The backyard is full of lights, festive decorations, and of course, people.

My brother and I exchange glances and just know we’re heading to the s’mores fire. So, we leave the adults to speak, and bolt to the bonfire.

My Aunt Melena greets us first, and tells us there’s hot dogs and desserts of all sorts on the dining table inside, and s’mores by the bonfire. 

At the table, we see other kids, apparently our cousins, who are making their s’mores, except for the little ones who need help with theirs. We introduced ourselves and so far, so good. They seemed like fun and provided the idea of hide-n-seek with glowsticks. This idea enticed me and my brother so we headed into the large, grassy area of the backyard.

On our way to the large patch of green by the lake, we passed this swing connected to a vast treehouse and I was so excited to go on the swing. Then, my soon to be favorite cousin ever, Kara, walks over and asks me if I want to get pushed, and of course I accept.

While munching on my s’more in one hand, and holding on for dear life in the other, I soar high into the air, it seems I can almost touch the stars. I should be scared, but for some reason I just feel excited and free as the cool air brushes my hair away from my sticky-chocolatey face.

When my turn on the swing is over, my little cousin Mable takes over, and Kara tells me to go find the other kids while she pushes Mable. I scurry over and find my brother, Joey by the lake. 

Go find the others Sophia!

“What are you doing?” I asked. “SHHHHHH…be quiet Sophia, or else you can’t hide with me.” He angrily whispered. "Rude," I thought to myself, but I stayed silent and hid.

My brother and I ended up winning, and received glowstick crowns/ halos. Immediately after the game ended we heard my Aunt Melena yell...

“Fireworks starting in 5!!! Get your seats now!!"

Us kids all ran to our parents and found our seats of either pool inflatables, towels, or lawn chairs. My mom brought over a plate of real dinner food to me, because she knew up till now my diet this evening consisted of pure sugar. My dad did the same for my brother. 

Aunt Melena’s dog came up to us and begged us for food. My mom told me not to give in, but I’m a sucker for dogs and their puppy eyes, so how could I not? The dog was very pleased and cuddled up on my lap in gratitude for about a minute, then found her way to a group with more food. She was no longer interested in my paper plate.

As I was lying on the beach towel as soft as wool from sheep, I reflected on my fun at this party. I had more excitement than all of my past Fourth of July’s combined. I feel the pre-party tension finally relieve itself, and I let my guard down for the rest of the night.