As a member of my family, I was the first grand child. So I got quite a few July Fourth picnics and family fun times.
My grandfather’s birthday was July Fourth so our family had a good reason to get together and visit. We would tell stories of times past. Aunts and Uncles would come home with their families and have large get togethers and a big picnic. Grandpa would be the center of all of this complete with a cake and homemade ice cream. A bonfire and roasting hot dogs and kids running all over. All would have fun for the day.
The ice cream being homemade was a bit of the center of attention with all of the grand kids who would take turns turning the crank of the ice cream machine. The grandchild who turned the most would get the ice cream dasher to lick clean. The ice cream was served with cake or pie. Since it was Gramps’ birthday he would get the first helping.
I can still see Gramps big smile, he would be so happy. I still feel good just thinking back to those times.
As time went by, Gramps first then aunts and uncles and their spouses have passed away. Now, some of my cousins are gone also and it’s not been the big day anymore. I still think of those days and the great fun for all of us had.