One of my most favorite local events happens every July – The Firefly Fling at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. This was our third year in a row attending and it was just as magical and adorable as ever (but also pretty dang hot). After three years, I’ve become a pro at preparing for the Fling: Get there right when it opens to claim a prime blanket spot, bring a cooler (with kid juice and adult juice), lots of snacks, glow sticks, and fairy wings. Not only can you explore the beautiful gardens, but there are lots of kid friendly performers and little activity stations set up all around. Last year we had about twenty friends in our crew, but this year it was just our little family on our blanket, but we still had a blast. Here’s our evening in photos.