My family doesn't make a huge deal out of the Fourth of July, especially since we're no longer kids =( and since my older brother doesn't like the noise. But while we did do a lot of small fireworks in the past, my most memorable Fourth of July was probably only a couple of years ago, when I was still in college. I'd decided it'd be a smart idea to take another summer class that year. Too bad my midterm fell on July 5th. I spent the evening studying, freaking out, and ignoring the kabooms that could be heard throughout the neighborhood, until my dad came in and asked if I had time for a break.

We drove to the empty football field at Green Valley High School, my old alma mater only about a block away. There we sat together, in the warm Vegas air, at the very top of the bleachers. The field was completely dark, completely empty. And that's when the Sunset Station fireworks display started. From our perch, we had the perfect view, and each colorful explosion shared with my dad was a welcome relief, escape, and almost magical moment. I became a kid again, just long enough to forget about work and tests and freak-out studying.

It must have been good for me. I got an A....