So it’s the 4th of July tomorrow! When I think back on Independence Days of the past 12 years, I am reminded of mosquitoes, crowds, humidity, extra law enforcement on the streets, and even long hours at work.

Tomorrow we’ll be taking in one of Austin’s biggest private celebrations–the one taking place at the home of Ryan and Heather Bartholic, who expect 50 guests at their backyard party. I’ll check back in the archives and remind myself of all of the past July 4th celebrations.

2013 – Party at Bart’s
Same as this year. I arrived early to help Bart set up.

This is what was left of the crowd after fireworks around 11pm. Lauren of course was long gone as she had to work Friday.
This is what was left of the crowd after fireworks around 11pm. Lauren of course was long gone as she had to work Friday.

2012 – Casual Grilling at Bart’s
The Bartholics had just arrived in Austin and invited us over to their apartment pool for grilling and swimming. Hot Lunch was also in town for a few days.

Hanging with the Bartholics on the 4th.
Hanging with the Bartholics on the 4th.

2011 – Exploring Austin
I had just arrived in town, and after only two days of work I had a 3-day weekend. I took in a Round Rock Express game and hung around with Mark Addison that weekend.

2010 – Family Reunion in Doland
Lauren and I trekked from Minneapolis to Carpenter for the Bell reunion during Back to Doland Days, stopping to camp for the night at Lac Qui Parle State Park on the way.

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2009 – Camping En Route to Carpenter
2009 was another year where we headed west to South Dakota for the long weekend, this time camping at Upper Sioux Agency State Park. On the 4th of July, Lauren, Alex, and I attempted to go fishing at both Dry Lake and Lake Byron to much disappointment.

Our rustic camp site at Upper Sioux Agency State Park.
Our rustic camp site at Upper Sioux Agency State Park.

2008 – 125th Willow Lake Alumni Celebration
I forgot how we had gone to South Dakota three straight years, but the records show Lauren and I went straight from a tubing expedition with Walsh, Sarah, Nick, Feeney, and friends straight to Willow Lake. 1923787_506598566726_1503_n

2007 – New York Trip
Walsh, Nick, and I were in New York for the 4th, taking in Twins/Yankees games and touring NBC Studios, with frequent stops at a dive bar called Detour’s.

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2006 – Patrick and I Explore Minneapolis
We took in the Body Worlds museum exhibit, Taste of Minnesota, and then drove around trying to find a spot to see the fireworks over the cityscape. Just a couple of dudes on the town.

2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 – Working Long Shifts at Valleyfair
Although one year I believe a bunch of us that didn’t have to work a late shift went to a Shakopee park for a grill-out and flag football, as seen below.
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2001 – Road Trip to Michigan
Brandon, Guy, and I were fresh out of high school and hit the road to visit Jesse Van Heukelom in Mattawan, Michigan. We stopped off in Minnesota for a Twins game and a Bon Jovi concert before visiting Mr. Ehrke in Chicago.

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That’s all the further back I have records of. I’m sure prior to that most years were spent lighting off some fireworks on the farm!