Happy Birthday

Today we had some 4th of July fun. I know that this is the day that we celebrate the American's kicking us British out, but I am over that and so we just try and have a great old time! The day started off with golf for dad, followed by a trip down to the local parade with some of our friends. It was fun to see everyone lining the streets with their flags in hand. 

Thomas, Sam, and Olivia

I'm not sure that Thomas was too excited to go

to the parade, but went along without too much

complaint. He made the best comment of the day

when he was looking at one of the flags he had and

said, "These were made in China!"

Olivia showing all of her American pride

Zach thought that the whole thing was very interesting

Some of the group

The kids

Spense and I with Zach (and Bryce trying to

hide in the background!)

Sam, Abby, and Olivia

She was glad that her friends were there

Zach just looked along the parade route

the whole time

This to me was the most important part of the day. As the soldiers walked by we all stood up and Spenser began to clap. It made me feel deeply grateful to those who risk their own lives in the defense of others. It especially made me think since we have a friend who was just deployed to Afghanistan. I think about how I would feel if it were one of my children out there and am just so thankful that there are unselfish people out there who believe in doing the right thing. I am grateful to have been born in a free land, and to live in a free land where we can pursue those things which will bring us the greatest happiness and joy. 

Olivia loved these cowgirls

After the parade we came home and enjoyed some down time. We made some desserts to take over to our neighbors house for a little BBQ that we were having together later. I found a few little ideas on the internet that we tried out and they seemed to be a hit. The brownies didn't last too long. I think that I would definitely make a couple of batches next time.

Our brownie stars

The classic "Flag" cake

My American (and half English) kids!

Olivia

After some food the kids headed over into our yard to

play for a while

We also put the net up and played some volleyball

Then it was time to head back to our neighbors for

some fireworks. Here is Thomas working on some poppers

Olivia isn't a huge fan of fireworks

Zach preferred to watch what was going on too

Setting off the snakes. I think they're nasty to watch

Lilly, our cute neighbor across the street

Lining up to pull poppers

Thomas liked the party poppers

Olivia wouldn't pull any poppers, but she

really liked what came out of them

The fireworks then moved into the street.Olivia didn't care

 for the noise at all and after a short time I had to take her and 

Zach inside to watch from the window 

Thomas with his sparkler

The fireworks sounded until late in the night. It was a long, but very fun day and I know that there will be lots of casing to clean off the yard, roof, and driveway tomorrow!