Happy Labor Day! Here's some 4th of July in Boston Pics to commemorate the last the Summertime American Holidays

Celebrating America, wearing a version of
"Red, White and Blue" Bikini from Old Navy

Closing Out Summer with a Look Back: 4th of July Photos featuring 3rd of July Weymouth Fireworks from Houghs Neck (Quincy) and the Views of Boston's Emerald Necklace

As we celebrate Labor Day, the last of the "American Holidays of Summer," here's some pictures from the middle of the summer, 4th of July in the Boston-area.

Weymouth Fireworks from Hough's Neck, Quincy
You can view these from the shore on 3rd of July

On 3rd of July, Hough's Neck, a tight-knit neighborhood of Quincy, is pretty much shut down and block parties reign. People watch the Weymouth Town Fireworks, which set off from Wessagusset Beach, on the Quincy side of the shore. 

Boiled Lobster, Fresh Caught with Melted Butter
A Very New England-y Tradition

If you're lucky enough to have a cool uncle who is also a lobsterman, you can have fresh caught lobster during your 3rd of July celebrations. Of course, some people don't have family who catch the food that day, and that's perfectly fine, though just not as cool. I like the knuckles the most. It's a flagrant violation of my mostly vegetarian living, but I can't help myself.

Quincy Police Motorcycles Lined Up in Houghs Neck on 3rd of July to police the neighborhood

Don't you hooligans go trying anything just because there's a huge party in the neighborhood! The police force are out and about all over Hough's Neck to try to keep the peace.

Weymouth Fire Works Show over the Bay on July 3rd

Hough's Neck Bonfire on the Beach before Weymouth Fireworks

There's a big bonfire on the beach before the Weymouth fire works show. Though every year, everyone says the same thing, "It used to be way biggahhh."

Boston City Skyline from the shore in Hough's Neck 

This is Boston on 4th of July, as seen from a gorgeous hazy view in Hough's Neck. I took this pic, then went swimming. Earlier, I'd gone swimming in my Aunt's sister's pool.  After this, I went swimming in my aunt and uncle's neighbor's pool I mention this for a reason, which you'll see in a moment.

Turtle Pond in Boston's Stonybrook Reservation - a little piece of urban wilderness

On my way home from Quincy on 4th of July evening, I stopped at the Stonybrook Reservation's Turtle Pond, in Hyde Park, which is part of the Emerald Necklace. This is a fishing hole. Swim at your own risk. Some do! Including me... Which means that on 4th of July I went swimming in an above ground pool, and in ground pool, the ocean, and then a pond! It was the makings of a spell or something!

Terrible photo of the Glorious Boston 4th of July Fire Works
as seen from Peters Hill in the Arnold Arboretum, on the "Rozzie" Side

 I'm sorry I wasn't able to capture a better picture. My battery was dying and the iPhone isn't great for distances and at night. But I have to tell you: if the Boston fireworks continue (here's hoping!), viewing from the top of Peters Hill at the Arnold Arboretum (also part of the Emerald Necklace) is one of the best views of the fireworks I've ever seen. And I've been to the actual Hatch Shell, twice! It's crowded, but not overcrowded. The atmosphere is very pleasant and people of all types and ages are around. You just can't be afraid of dogs, because people bring theirs (maybe to keep them close and cuddled during all the banging and crashing, rather than home alone and terrified?) One of the many perks is you can see the less grand but still pretty fireworks from the surrounding towns that go one before these ones. But really, the best is the big show itself. It's brilliant with the Boston skyline shadowed in the background and everyone lounging on the hill, going, "Ooooooh! Ahhhhhh!"

Here's to summer and all it's fun and sun.

Now bring on the pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING.