The Fourth of July

The first Independence Day with rain that Collette had remembered in a long time. It began with a drenching downpour and thunderstorm at around five o’clock in the morning.

Over at the house, Mom had invited the Combs and Grandma Combs, Aunt Day and her husband — visiting from Australia, Uncle Larry, some of the Tecumseh family, and a number of other friends.
And the feast was plentiful: fried chicken, hot dogs, potato chips, black and green olives, spear pickles, potato salad, and watermelon. And a large decorated sheet cake brought by Grandma.

The rain had let up by noon, which was good news for everyone wishing to celebrate.
So while all of the boys shot off loads of fireworks, the girls walked around on the roof, and Grandma brought (with her flashing lights eye glasses) bubble wands for the kids, and a little tin bucket with stars on it and a plastic shovel for Puck.
He immediately took the bucket and shovel and splashed around in the puddles with them until he was quite soaked. Carrie showed him the good spots.
“Did you put him in that mud puddle, Carrie?” Dad asked, working at the grill.
“Yup,” said Carrie. “All little boys are supposed to play in the mud.”
And he was very pleased with his time spent squishing in the mud and splashing in the water.

Back home, Puck was sent to the bathtub with many bubbles. And he was soon a squeaky clean baby again.