happy fourth of july

I love the fourth of July... a day when all of the red, white & blue is rolled out and celebrated. When the country comes together with parades and fireworks and our Grand Old Flag is held in highest esteem. When everyone puts aside their differences and our country is united.

How I wish it was for more than a day... more than a season.

I'm half-wishing my kids home... just for today. Celebrating without them is hardly as much fun. Their love and admiration for the USA is found deep in their hearts. But they are splashing on the shores of Lake Huron... and playing with new friends. So I will choose to picture them there, laughing and shrieking as their toes hit that icy water... my kiddos, who are used to the temperatures of the steamy Gulf of Mexico! And tonight as I watch the fireworks, I will recall the wonder in their eyes as the colored bits of fire in the sky cast a glow on their faces... and my heart will smile.

two of my favorite 4th of July photos...