Happy July 4th :)

For the first time since I can remember, I am not going to be watching the 4th of July fireworks tonight. It has always been a fun family time for me. As kids my dad would find 2 or 3 different cities who were showing fireworks on different nights and he would drive us around to them. We would enjoy some snacks and drinks and wait and wait and wait (you get the idea) for it to get dark. It was one of the funnest times I remember as a kid. Since having our own kids, Bryan and I have been getting together with his family in Ludington, MI to watch the fireworks each 4th of July. Elijah and his Aunt Amy have had a standing date for many years that he would sit on her lap, watch fireworks and enjoy some cuddle time. I always enjoyed some really good conversations with my brother-in-law during our July 4th weekends and good quality time with my nieces and their parents and my mother and father-in-law. Then after the long wait to leave the fireworks, we'd put the sleeping kids to bed and play board games into the wee hours of the night/morning. Today as I was thinking about this holiday (which is the day our county celebrates its freedom) that I have more fond memories of this holiday than any other, wow. All of them great family memories.

So in honor of July 4th, the kids and I downloaded a video off You Tube of London's 2011 New Years celebration (it took me an hour and I only got half of it but it was still worth it). Wow, that was pretty cool and the kids were very excited to see all the fireworks. Elijah said thanks and that it really made his night because I found fireworks for him to watch. I told him that I know I am no Aunt Amy, but he would have to cuddle by me while we watched it. I am so thankful that God gave me children who are so easy to please. It really made all of them smile and they all thanked me before going to bed. I guess we found a new temporary way to celebrate until we go home on furlough and watch the real ones :) Oma and Papa we have already invited ourselves to the 2013 July 4th fireworks in Ludington!!!! So for my American friends, enjoy your day.
God bless you all and also all those who have fought, and are still fighting so we can celebrate our freedom.
Anita