The fourth of July has always been my favorite holiday.
Partly because my birthday is 2 days away.
But partly because I love how everyone comes together as a united people to celebrate
With flags flying high and beautiful fireworks showering the sky.

Today was no different, except for the cold I'm dealing with.

I got to sleep in and then worked on cutting the watermelon for the afternoon party.  After wearing juices on my hands, shirt, and face I called it done. 

I realized I'm the worst dog sitter in the world as I took Kendra outside to do her duty she got away from me and I spent 20 minutes chasing her around the neighborhood.  She was wonderful at tormenting me as every couple of houses she would stop, turn around to look at me, and then run off again.  I caught her several blocks from home and ended up carrying her back home.  She was smiling all the way!

Cleaned up and then drove to the campground to pick up my kids from my sister who took them camping last night.  Apparently they were up until 11 last night and then this morning they got up at 5 because they were cold but fell asleep again until 7:30.

The first question my son asks me, "mom would you like to play who can knock the beer can off the pole?"  Umm, don't think so!  Apparently there a lot of rule to this game of which he explains to me on the way home. 

Late getting to my parents for their annual 4rth of July picnic, so as soon as we arrived the burgers and dogs were put on the grill.  My aunt and uncles were there and it was interesting listening to her talk about her medical tests and the paperwork she has to fill out for them.  One thing my dad and aunt were laughing at was the fact that their grandfather died of alcohol and sun exposure.  She opted to just say old age instead.

I got a new DS game that I love and so does my son so after we came home he and I took turns until I got tired of waiting and decided to work in my gardens.  It was so relaxing.  I planted some new flowers that will probably not grow and cleared out one of the gardens of weeds.  I cut down a bunch of weeds and extended one of my current flower gardens.  It was fun!

Then played some ladder ball and a strange version of baseball with the kids were we used a wiffle ball bat and a hard baseball.  Jackson was my pitcher and everytime he pitched it (no matter if it went behind me or rolled in front of me) he called the pitch a strike and I would get out every time!

Cleaned up once again and went to Kirkwood with several friends and family to watch the fireworks.  They were amazing and I was thrilled to get to see them with Jackson sitting in front of me and Joy sitting on my lap. 

The trip home was slow going so mom and I started reminising about the 4rth of the July's of the past, especially the one where she fell down and the car's alternator went out in the turn lane of the road a million other people were on as well.

We arrived home at 11 PM and once again, my children were up way too late, but the sake of memories (wonderful childhood memories) who cares?

As I quietly watch the clock turn to a new day I see that...we are united in our freedom, in our spirit, and our lives.  The adventure of being an American...an American mother...never ends.  Thank you for all who made that possible for me and everyone around me!