Happy Fourth Of July 2013 (One Week Late)!

Quick Fourth Of July post!

I don't have much to say about our family's observance of Independence Day; I suspect we celebrated it just as many other in America do...lazing around most of the day, then having a barbecue in your backyard, inviting a bunch of your friends over, and setting off a few fireworks.

We were really lazy this Fourth of July. Nathan and I both took multiple naps(!) The girls played upstairs most of the day. I eventually rolled off the couch and took the kids swimming at the pool for an hour or so, but that about did it for our physical activity for the day.

Since our propane grill is still pretty small, we borrowed another from a friend who was out of town. We invited over a few families, including our new next door neighbors the Gillespies who (as luck would have it) are also members of the church! (another family joined us later that night for the fireworks). It was nice to have a bunch of people over again; Nathan and I have been a bit more reclusive this year than we were last year, and I've enjoyed getting to know some new people, as well as strengthening the bonds with some old friends.

Dinner was great; the conversation was stimulating; the food was delicious. Then it was time for the kids to roll out their patriotic show for all the adults. My girls had been preparing for it all day! They invited their friends to join in as well. The program opened with Lorelai and friend Sydney waving an American flag together singing the national anthem. After that, the program degenerated a bit, as Lorelai began singing her own patriotic song that she composed herself. It's (how do I say this?) not terribly cohesive.

 And here's the big finish, with all the kids participating!

 

Right after that came the big finish, with all our kids and all their friends doing a mini-parade in our living room, using every single toy instrument we own. It was loud; I'd wager the whole neighborhood heard us. But at least it was festive!

After all that, it was time to head outside and set off some fireworks.

The sparklers may have been the kids' favorite part!

Special thanks to our neighbors one street over for setting off all the big illegal fireworks for everyone to enjoy! :)

The kids oohed and aahed, Nathan and I kept the show coming, and everything went off without a hitch. When the last sparks had finished flying, everybody went inside and had some dessert, then stumbled off home to bed, tired but happy.

We're so thankful for the opportunities we have in this wonderful country. The USA isn't a perfect place, but it is still ridiculously blessed, especially compared to many other places in the world. I don't know what I did to deserve all the opportunities and blessings I've had in my life, but I know that my living in the United States of America is a big reason why I've received many of those blessings. I'm happy that I live in a country where I can believe as I wish and live the way I choose. I hope everyone around me remembers their blessings on this day as well.