The Fourth of July in America has always been a special holiday to me. I love the food. I love the friends. I love the family. And I love the fireworks.

Each year, the Fourth of July celebrates a federal holiday in the United States that marks the anniversary of our nation’s declared independence from the British Empire. On July 4, 1776, our American forefathers drafted and adopted the Declaration of Independence – a primary symbol of American freedom to this day.

But why do I care so much? This happened more than 200 years ago!

Well, on both my mother’s and father’s sides of the family I am related to colonists. Several of my male (and maybe even female!) ancestors fought for the American rights we cherish and our freedom from the British monarchy’s rule. Being proud to be an American is in my DNA.

This year our July 4th celebrations were exceptional, and I had a fantastic time BBQ’ing with my close friends and family while viewing the NYC fireworks from my balcony in Long Island City. Hope you enjoy our photos below!

My super silly family and friends hanging out on the balcony before sunset!

My super silly family and friends hanging out on the balcony before sunset!

Kristin baked this adorable Pop Rocks flag cake, and Alexa helped decorate - so delicious and fun!

Kristin baked this adorable Pop Rocks flag cake, and Alexa helped decorate – so delicious and fun!

Everyone poised on the balcony last night to get a great view of the NYC fireworks!

Everyone poised on the balcony last night to get a great view of the NYC fireworks!

We had an amazing view

We had an amazing view

Empire State Building and Fireworks

Empire State Building and Fireworks

Colors bursting

The show had several fireworks colors and types bursting in tandem from four boats along the East River

Smiley face fireworks along the NYC skyline - so cute!

Smiley face fireworks along the NYC skyline – so cute!

Gorgeous fireworks

The fireworks show is sponsored and coordinated by Macy’s department store and is broadcast nationwide for all Americans to view on TV if they so choose

Pops of fireworks along the skyline

Pops of fireworks along the skyline

It was an excellent fireworks show! We played American classic rock on Spotify as the show continued

It was an AWESOME fireworks show! We played American classic rock songs while we watched the show on our Long Island City balcony.

We were so lucky to be able to see the fireworks that were let off from all four barges along the East River this year - which was a change from last years's show that was down closer to the Brooklyn Bridge!

We were so lucky to be able to see the fireworks that were let off from all four barges along the East River this year – which was a change from last years’s show that was down closer to the Brooklyn Bridge.

The explosions during the fireworks finale were so beautiful and impressive - we were very blessed!

The explosions during the fireworks finale were so beautiful and impressive – we were very blessed!

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