The 4th of July Cookout
One year, Johnny's family was having the "extended family" 4th of July cookout at their home. One of the special treats that year was to be the lighting of the fireworks (Roman candles, bottle rockets, missile batteries, etc.). Just before they were to arrive, a cousin called, saying their neighbor's plans had just fallen through, and could they bring the neighbor along to the picnic. "Sure, the more the merrier!" replied Johnny's dad. Upon arrival and meeting of their cousin's neighbor, it was discovered that he was a police officer. The father turned as innocently as he could to Johnny, and whispered to him to grab the paper bag of fireworks sitting in the kitchen and hide them somewhere quickly. Johnny disappeared, and the father changed the topic to food for the day. The visitors had brought some chicken to grill, so the father told them that the gas grill was all set to use out back and to "just turn on the gas and push the ignition button with the lid still closed." The company headed out to the backyard, as Johnny came back in through the front door. The father hurried to Johnny and said "Whew, that was close! That man's a police officer, and he almost saw the fireworks. Did you hide them real well?" "Oh, yes! Nobody will ever think to look in the grill!"
Originally published July 03, 2009.
