What Happened on the 4th of July?

Sorry, I'm not going to give a patriotic history lesson. Today I am going tell you all about my 4th of July experience from this very year.  

Actually, I do happen to enjoy history and would be more than glad to indulge any curious ears, but unless you are an international reader... or just uninformed (which would be sad), you probably don't need me to school you on how America gained its independence from Great Britain. 

Anyway, on Sunday afternoon, Jon drove Sophie and I over to our friends' house for their annual 4th of July bash. With friends, food, and fun, the afternoon was practically perfect in almost every possible way.

You know, when it's 93 degrees outside, water activities are always choice. So, we suited-up and waded into their pool; the water was deliciously refreshing. 

Well, dinnertime came and we sat by the pool with our food. Apparently this was not exactly a wise decision - several of the guys thought it would be good fun to do cannonballs... and see how big of a splash they could make.

It was like sitting in the front row at a Sea World show. 

We (and our food) were continuously doused with pool water. It definitely took the edge off the heat, that's for sure.

After a while of eating soggy hamburgers and potato salad, we waited for the guys to clear-out and we (the girls) decided to go back into the water. Thinking it would be fun to jump into the pool together, while holding hands, we lined up and counted.

Before reaching "two" we heard a splash. A girl was pushed (PUSHED!!!) in the water by a boy (I'm purposely not saying names).

As I was leaning over to help her, I was pushed in, too. Yes, right on top of her!

All of the sudden, my nose was burning and my eyes were stinging. 

Then I felt my knee hit something hard.  

When we both came spluttering to the surface, there was blood. She was bleeding and it was my fault! 

Sopping wet, I followed her out of the pool. She was hurt, bleeding, and probably hated me. Not stopping for a towel, I ran after her into the house. 

Good thing one of the mothers was an ER nurse (very convenient). She helped my friend while I apologized (it was all very pathetic). 

Wincing at the pain, she listened to my explanation and forgave me. But no amount of apology could take the pain, swelling, and blood away. 

Through our tear-filled eyes (mine of sorrow, hers of pain), I heard the mom/nurse say I had knocked her bottom front tooth loose and split her lip. 

After getting an ice-pack, I had to go back outside (I was making puddles of water in the house). 

Sitting by the pool, I almost started crying. Even though it was an accident, I felt absolutely horrible. Also, I was a little upset at the guy who caused the accident. At least he was sorry. 

But the poor victim of my knee almost had to get stitches because her lip wouldn't stop bleeding!

After a little while, she was feeling somewhat better, and the party continued. 

We all had a good time, but that sort of killed the celebration mood for me... and after a little more swimming and chatting with friends, I went home. 

Instead of being traditional and going to see the fireworks that night, Jon and Matt dragged me to the movie Knight and Day. Judging between the delusional fits of laughter and our ghetto talk, I'd say we had a grand old time rollin' to the theater in The Golden Marshmallow.

I'm very grateful for my freedom.  And I love my country - "the land of the free and the home of the brave." 

Overall, the 4th was a pretty great day. Many, many good memories, and only one bad one to tarnish the holiday (and sadly, that bad one practically makes my whole post). At any rate, it was a memorable 4th of July.