i love july 4th.
the fireworks. the sparklers. rummaging through the closet to find something red, white and blue. the fact that it lines up perfectly in the year when blueberries and strawberries are at the peak of their seasons so that together nestled between pillows of whipping cream, they concoct this festive little treat without even trying.
and while my celebratory heart wants to do it all, after the long parade this morning, a family swim and a bbq at papa’s…well, the nausea was in full-gear and i was totally shot so sadly, we skipped our fireworks show on the pier this year and opted for neighborhood fireworks which, shall i say, were quite fabulous.
and come to find out, little miss is terrified of the booms anyway this year and after a few deathly grips on her daddy’s shoulder and some huddled tears, we decided indoors is where she belonged tonight…that and our driveway for some sparklers.
oh, but the parade this morning was just divine. and i don’t know what it is about the fourth…or maybe this blessed mix of cry-derman genes and pregnancy, but oh did i cry. the sight of flags and soldiers and babies in stars and stripes…the marching bands and drums and sheer realization that huge masses of people across our country come together like this to celebrate our independence and gratitude for freedom…it just gets me.
i think having babies makes me so much more aware of patriotism. and, no matter how far we have to come in this country, there is this deep sense of gratitude to live in a place where my children are safe and free and supported and loved and guided toward a rich, promising future. and that didn’t come without a cost.
happy independence day.
Oh I love the band pic! So sweet.
Wow everything looks so fresh and beautiful there…and clean! Something about s. florida…or maybe your photos…:-)
It was great to see you and Lainey yesterday! I am one of those criers, too. Usually I can get away with it with only my husband knowing. But yesterday was a different feeling. My brother is in the Navy and I sometimes wonder if most of this country will ever know the sacrificies so many have willingly made. I was thinking that this parade may be some of the old-timers last- though they pressed their old uniforms and went to the barber the day before. And smiled a greatful smile as people like you and me applauded and thanked them with our quivering chins and tear-streaked faces.
Let’s try to get together before I leave for Alaska! Check out our trip to Georgia, too http://oursilverlining-amyc.blogspot.com/
awww. this is your neice Savannah.
i loved that post! and i also wore my hair in pigtail braids! we went to the meridian mall fireworks and sat in the parking lot for about an hour and it was 10:13 and the fireworks started at 10:15 and right then and there sydney got out of the car and started to puke. like chunks, no, not chunks but like a whole 8 course dinner. it was the grossest thing ever. and well that obviously means that we left at 10:15 and saw 1 firework.
but that 1 firework meant and felt like 79 fireworks because my dad made it really special. and when somer cried heself to sellp the night before about the divorce and missing mom, he comforted her and made her feel special. and suprisingly that was the best mosquito infested 4th of july EVER. and well “thats a wrap”.
Love this post. LOVE the pics. I am so grateful to live in the U.S. & appreciate the sacrifices made by the men/women who serve in the military, as well as their families.
Oh Savannah’s comment…sweet girl! Poor Sydney, not fun to be sick ESPECIALLY on the 4th of July. I’m sending A big CHINESE PIG to the 3 girls! LOL! 🙂
OK…that pic of LL & Sophie in pigtails!!! HAHAHAHA! OH MY HILARIOUS!
Living in America is a beautiful thing. Your pictures captured the love people have for our country. I love all the red, white, and blue.
what a great take on patriotism. happy independence day to you! oh how i love all the pictures filled with red, white and blue!
wishing you a happy week.
PS – i don’t know if i mentioned it before, if not, check out http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com. thought you might like the morning wellness tea. i’m talking good stuff …
oh my r,w, & b!! I love that picture with Sophie – I was laughing at the bows until I noticed LL had the same dress as Lily wore this year! I love the one of her and Baylee running down the road! Such cute little girls!
Great photos! LOVE the dog!!!
Yes, we truly are privileged to be Americans & live in the US of A.
Congrats on the new baby!
I was so excited to see you had a new post…OK so that photo of Lainey and Sophie (?) where they wear the same bows and the same expression!? LOVE. Also adore that Lainey has four rockin’ patriotic outfits in her stash. xo
these pics are so great! made me smile. love the dress and sophie…priceless.
baylee and lainey are so sweet together!