Happy 4th of July!

Snakes in the front yard. I won't tell you what Sydney said they look like!

Smoke bombs in the backyard...

What a fun time of year! And always a nice time to reflect and remember how truly blessed we are to live in America. I have been reminded of this a few times this year as our girls have learned patriotic songs and the Pledge of Allegiance in school this year. Those things coming from your children just melt your heart.

Pictures of my family! Impossible to get a good picture of Brandon because he won't hold still long enough. Sydney's always ready to pose. The sun was in Amanda's eyes and I couldn't get her to smile! And there's the dog! And my sweetie, looking thoughtful and reflective.

Mike had been on a business trip until very late on Tuesday, so Wednesday morning we kind of slept in! It was wonderful! Then, we had to do some yard work since the lawnmower broke while I was trying to mow and left a beautiful pattern in the front lawn. My handy hubby fixed the mower and we made things all right again. Then, we went to lunch and also drove around Kville's activities, since we've never been...just scoping it out for next year, I guess. We got some fireworks and back home so Brandon could sleep. Mike did smoke bombs and snakes with the girls and they loved it! While waiting for Brandon, we watched 'The Revolution' on the History Channel. We have been really into learning about this American history since Mike started reading 1776 and John Adams by David McCullough. We were fortunate to hear him lecture a few months ago (well, Mike and his parents did, I had to run home because the inexperienced babysitter kept calling my cell phone during the lecture! I finally just went home), and they were extremely impressed.

We ran to Winger's for dinner (Sydney's choice) and then back to our house for more fireworks. Soon, we joined up with the Francis', which usually happens every July, and watched fireworks with their family and the McCleary boys. When we were done, it was perfect timing to go see the city's fireworks, so we drove until we found a church lawn that had the perfect view. We could hear the music, also, and didn't have to fight the crowds or worry that Brandon would get lost. It was fun to hang with my girls and sing songs together. I had to hold back tears because it was such a sweet moment. Then, the girls noticed the American flag in front of the church, so we stood and said the 'Pledge'.

The fireworks master!
The big show!
And then our church fireworks view....
Little Sydney was so tired!

This is a perfect way to spend this holiday for me...with my family. I am so lucky!