July 3, 2011

This year was different for the normal 4th of July, because our little town did the fireworks tonight, on the 3rd. They were beautiful, and just as amazing as if they were on the 4th, but they weren't. We went to church like normal, had a great family day, ate lots, had a wonderful BBQ dinner and got ready for the fireworks. Jolene has been wanting to go camping all Summer so she can sleep in a tent. Just the two of us were going to sleep in the tent in the backyard one night but she got invited to a friends for sleepover instead. So today when she asked the answer was yes! She was so excited! She invited Raychel to sleep with us, but she returned from Girls Camp a few days ago and was not sure she wanted to sleep in a tent, again so soon. As we gathered up the tent, sleeping bags, and mats Raychel decided it would be fun so she joined us. After we got the tent set up we gathered up our lawn blanket and headed out the see the fireworks. They were so beautiful. I love the feeling of watching them in the sky, I can't help but think of the words to the National Anthem, "And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? I get such a feeling of pride to live in a free nation and so grateful to the men and women who fought and those who continue to fight to keep it free.