How do I explain the Fourth of July to 3-year-old Sweetpea?
If we still lived in America, I would just let the holiday speak for itself. Parades and flags and watermelon. Fireflies and sparklers and fireworks.
But that’s not possible here in England. And a history lesson is out, too: Three is just too young for the story of the Declaration of Independence. Besides, I want her to know something about the other sides of the Fourth, too, the ones I knew as a kid — that marching-band-cotton-candy excitement, that ice-cream-on-a-picnic-blanket-at-twilight anticipation.
What to do, what to do?
When in doubt, bake a cake.
A birthday cake.
We lit a candle and sang “Happy Birthday America” and listened to this fabulous rendition of “The Stars and Stripes Forever” on pipe organ:
All of which made a joyful impression on Sweetpea.
I think we may have started a new tradition.
Alchemy Pie 
I love your cake and the treatment of the fourth. Being not so fond of crowds or noise, this seems like a most civilized way to celebrate.
We’ve had our rowdier years, but today it was just porch for two and a swim at a nearby lake.
I’m glad you’re creating new and good traditions!
A porch for two and a swim sounds heavenly, especially in the kind of heat New England is getting this week. Hope you’re keeping cool!
I love your cake and the treatment of the fourth. Being not so fond of crowds or noise, this seems like a most civilized way to celebrate.
We’ve had our rowdier years, but today it was just porch for two and a swim at a nearby lake.
I’m glad you’re creating new and good traditions!
A porch for two and a swim sounds heavenly, especially in the kind of heat New England is getting this week. Hope you’re keeping cool!
I love your cake and the treatment of the fourth. Being not so fond of crowds or noise, this seems like a most civilized way to celebrate.
We’ve had our rowdier years, but today it was just porch for two and a swim at a nearby lake.
I’m glad you’re creating new and good traditions!
Very cool. Somehow “it’s like Guy Fawkes Day, but without the burning effigies” doesn’t really do it, huh?
No — and not only because she doesn’t yet know what that is, either! Bonfire Night has a smoky, Allhallow’s tang to it, a complete contrast the Fourth’s electric energy. I love both holidays, but for very different reasons.
Very cool. Somehow “it’s like Guy Fawkes Day, but without the burning effigies” doesn’t really do it, huh?
No — and not only because she doesn’t yet know what that is, either! Bonfire Night has a smoky, Allhallow’s tang to it, a complete contrast the Fourth’s electric energy. I love both holidays, but for very different reasons.
Oh, Amy, that’s perfect! What a lovely introduction to Sweetpea.
It *was* lovely! The fact that it was America’s 234th birthday (“two-three-four, Mommy, two-three-four!”) gave it an extra glow.
Oh, Amy, that’s perfect! What a lovely introduction to Sweetpea.
It *was* lovely! The fact that it was America’s 234th birthday (“two-three-four, Mommy, two-three-four!”) gave it an extra glow.
That’s so great–she’ll have her own, very distinct, memories–and you can share with each other. And the cake looks incredible!
Thanks, Becky! The recipe’s an old Moosewood favorite. Wish I could send you a slice!
That’s so great–she’ll have her own, very distinct, memories–and you can share with each other. And the cake looks incredible!
Thanks, Becky! The recipe’s an old Moosewood favorite. Wish I could send you a slice!
I love your version of the 4th Amy. I am sure it will be a tradition that Sweetpea will look forward too! : )
And wow–that organ player! Amazing!
Thanks, Mary! He was amazing, wasn’t he? I was mesmerized.
I love your version of the 4th Amy. I am sure it will be a tradition that Sweetpea will look forward too! : )
And wow–that organ player! Amazing!
Thanks, Mary! He was amazing, wasn’t he? I was mesmerized.
I love your version of the 4th Amy. I am sure it will be a tradition that Sweetpea will look forward too! : )
And wow–that organ player! Amazing!