Happy 4th of July

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." ~Erma Bombeck

"Freedom is never free. " ~Author Unknown

Nathan and Wesley walking to the ward 4th of July party. I thought the sunset was so pretty.
This 4th of July was similar to last year because Sienna got to visit her great Aunt & Uncle in Texas for the holiday.
And again, like last year we spent some serious hours painting and decorating her room. She is still having a hard time letting go of Arizona and her old room. So we worked really hard to make her new room cheerful and beautiful.

"It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you." ~

" In war, there are no unwounded soldiers."
~José Narosky

For the 4th itself we spent the evening at a ward members' house at their annual party. They have a gorgeous house and had a perfect view of all surrounding fireworks. In Oklahoma you can buy and set off your own fireworks (I should have known.....we should have the right to blow off our own appendages shouldn't we?? tongue in cheek).
Anyway the whole neighborhood lit up the sky for a good 30-40 minutes. In every direction you could see fireworks exploding. I personally love fireworks and the 4th of July...but in the photo above you can see Wesley was scared when they first began and wanted us to hold him-but warmed up to them in the end.

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because brave men and women stand ready to fight on their behalf." George Orwell

"How often we fail to realize our good fortune in living in a country where happiness is more than a lack of tragedy." ~Paul Sweeney

Thank you to all the brave men and women in every branch of the military-thank you for your service, your sacrifices, your courage, and your love of country.
Our country as we know it today....would not exist without you.

I am so proud of my brother Nathan...who served 2 honorable tours of duty in Iraq. He is a survivor, a decorated Marine, a living miracle, a great person, and a real-life American Hero.
We love you...
Happy 4th of July