Oh say can you see?

Have you ever tried that practical joke of simply staring up in the air to see how many other people look up to see what you're watching? Apparently, the kid version of the joke involves peering through slats in a dock.

Sydney started it, getting down on all fours on Grandpa Bill's dock.

Within seconds, her big brother had to have a closer look.

So what was swimming in the murky depths that they found so fascinating? We'll never know. The depths were too murky to see anything. Yes, I admit it, I took a look, too. Sydney claimed she was looking for fish. And she probably was. But as brown as the water was, there's no way she could have seen anything even if there was something down there.

We visited Grandpa Bill and Grandma Jo late in the afternoon on July 4th. Their campground had a great picnic. Unfortunately, the 89-degree temperature, super high humidity and almost total lack of wind (check out how calm the St. Louis River is) made for a pretty uncomfortable visit. So much for Duluth's natural air conditioning.

Later in the night, after another rainstorm had passed through, dropping temperatures and awaking mosquitos, we headed back into Cloquet to watch the fireworks. Let's just say it was about as enjoyable as the parade earlier in the day.

Last year, AJ loved the fireworks. Sydney was terrified of them. This year, both children decided the booms were too loud for their taste. AJ huddled under a blanket and Sydney curled into my lap hiding her face and covering her eyes.

God bless America. Even if half our family don't appreciate the traditions that go with it. There's always next year.