Traditions are a big thing in our family. Traditions make for more vivid memories, warmer memories. The Fourth of July is a big one for us. Travis celebrates his birthday along with the entire country. Every year his dad takes him to the Neah Bay reservation to pick out whatever fireworks he wants, it’s a tradition. Then, as the sun is going away, the light show begins on the beach.

Here’s a recap of this year’s Fourth of July weekend.

This would be a HEATED slip and slide. Yes, you heard me right. Warm water from the house. Not spoiled or anything.

Family time at the beach house – baseball, fire pit, smores, and family cooking.

This year we took the hike to Cape Alava. This is a special place. Memories hiking this as a child. And with Yodi, this was where we had a first ‘moment’ and where he was planning to propose had I not been sick that day 😉  The kids were total troopers, the weather was perfect, and the view was awesome.

Family fun, a Yankees (and Mariner’s cake), cousin time, life is good.

I don’t know of anything better than a small, intimate fireworks celebration. Kids and dads, all barefoot on the beach, moms sitting back with wine in hand, enjoying the view. Traditions.

Check out my weddings too – www.irongoatphoto.com – and learn all about the name, and how I love shooting weddings in the outdoors.