Every year my sister, Gerry, celebrates the 4th of July in grand style with her family. One or both of her two sons (and families) join Gerry, her husband, Tom and our mother, Mary, at their home on the outskirts Wichita for the occasion. Last summer, Gerry decided we should try to gather our kids together for a family reunion..."Firecracker" style.

What follows is a true accounting of that special 4 day gathering of the clan.