Independence Day Festivities

We love our country, especially for it's natural beauty and for the freedom and opportunities available to us. For instance, we can go to church and learn to live the gospel, we can send our kids to public school and even remove them if we feel it is in their best interest, we can easily travel across the country to visit family, we can live the "American Dream" as we define it.  Even with it's imperfections, we are blessed to live here.  We thank all who sacrifice their time, money, and even lives to make this the country it is.  We can strengthen our nation by the choices we make each day in both little and big ways. 

Proudly flying the flag

I got up early to go for a run and made a short detour to pause at the veterans' memorial.  It hit me again how we enjoy such freedom at a cost.  My heart was filled with gratitude and a hope that we will honor our God and country by trying to live more righteously each day, and when we mess up to repent and start new. 

As the whole family woke we made our way to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to enjoy a pancake breakfast and bike parade with friends and meet some new faces.  There was a good turn out and the kids would have continued riding if the event didn't have to end at some point.  Our kids cheeks were rosy.

In the evening, we made our way to the Huff's to enjoy the water and fireworks at Grapevine Lake.  We grilled a few hot dogs and tested the mucky bottomed lake to stay cool.  When it got dark we snacked on sweet cherries and pretzels, put on our glow-in-the-dark bracelets and necklaces, chatted and watched the boats fill the lake for a perfect viewing spot.  Then the fireworks over the lake started, directly in front of us and up close.  Both kids were awake for it this time.  Sophie announced the "Christmas" fireworks (red and green) while Rhys commented, "Biiiiiiiig!" on the most impressive ones.  The fireworks went on for 30 minutes! 

It was great to see the Huffs again and catch up a little.  We got home very late but the kids slept in an hour the next morning which is unusual for them even with a late night.  Neal and I weren't as fortunate as he had work and I had a morning run to complete.  Happy Independence Day to all.  Hope you had a good one too.