Independence Day

 This year we celebrated the 4th twice. First celebration was with the Moore family on the 2nd. My little sis and her family were in town so we decided to get together. We started off the celebration of America in an All-American way by eating Mexican food at Costa Vida. Then we headed to Poppy's and Nan's and enjoyed brownies, homemade ice cream, and root beer floats. Then we visited while the guys went and spent a small fortune on all things fireworks. Once it got dark, the firework frenzy began and we were dazzled with some pretty awesome fireworks. It was fun to kick off the 4th of July week.

On the 4th, Steve started off the day right by bringing home maple bars from Daylight Donuts after his night shift. So we sat in bed enjoying donuts early in the morning. Then while Steve got a few hours of sleep, Michael and I just hung out and I painted Loi's toenails for the first time. Then we went down to Gramma and Pompa's house. Their neighbor invited us all over for a BBQ and to enjoy their pool so Loi went swimming in a real pool for the first time. (I was a little hesitant about her being in chlorine but then found out it was a salt water-type pool so she actually put her swimsuit to use.)

We finished the night off with a handful of fireworks and sparklers and a quick 4-wheeler ride around the neighborhood.

She looks thrilled, right?

I love the 4th of July. It's one of my favorite holidays.

I truly am proud to be an American and feel so lucky I am.

We're so blessed to live in a free country where we have so much to live for.

And even though our government continues to make dumb decisions and there are more and more corrupt leaders and politicians, this country is the promised land and the Lord knows what he is doing.

I'm grateful to live here and that my children will have the same great opportunities I've had.