4th of July 2013

"Mom." said Kahner.  "Yes, son?" I reply.  "Do you get that happy feeling in your heart when you see the United States of America Flag?" "I sure do son. Every time." "Me to, Mom.  I like it."  He said with satisfaction.  "I like it to buddy, I like it to." My eyes were a bit misty, and my heart is (still) proud and full of love for my babes and my country.  

I've decided the 4th of July is my new favorite holiday.  Sun, Fun, Family, neighbors, BBQ. Yeah.  Christmas will always come in a close second but, the 4th has now stolen my heart.  No hype over presents, no stressing for months, not nearly as much decor to put up and take down.  And besides all that, I LOVE MY COUNTRY. In all it's messed up, amber waves of grain, purple mountain majesty from sea to shining sea, glory.  My Country tis of thee sweet land of liberty, of thee i sing... land of the pilgrims pride land where my fathers died... let freedom ring!!  How thankful I am.  

This year the neighborhood (ok, ok, it was mostly Jane.  Sweet, sweet Jane) organized an amazing day of fun for all to enjoy.  We slipped and slided to our little hearts content down the biggest home made water slide I've ever seen.  

 I think the kids liked it...

 Daddy even got to join in the fun!  A precious day off with Dad, ON A HOLIDAY! Eeeeek!

 I liked to call Kahner "the penguin" he made it all the way to the bottom with his flipper technique!

 AND, not only do we have THE. BEST. NEIGHBORHOOD. EVER. We pretty much have the best fire department too.  They paid us a little visit and kept our slip n' slide nice and slippy!

 "engine 53, engine 53, engine 53!!!!!!!"  The kiddos spot Engine 53 all over town and we always have to honk and wave to our new-found bestest friends.

 Yeah.  It was pretty much awesome.

 Until, this.  This was our sign that we'd had enough sun and it was time to relax a bit before our big BBQ.

 Time fore a little Jenga in the nice cool air conditioning...

 Ava was surprisingly good for a 3 year old!

 For the record: Daddy made it fall.  Much to his chagrin, but much to the delight of three little somebody's.

 After some finger lickin' good rib's made by my one and only, we headed out to get a few fireworks.  I sent him in to get some sparklers and pop it's (since we already had some fireworks) and he came out with an employee because he couldn't carry it all by himslef. True Duc fasion.  Go big or go home.  We loaded up our wagon and hauled our loot to the park for the neighborhood fireworks show.  Which was pretty spectacular if I do say so myself  an hour and a half of fireworks, right across the street from my house with zero traffic? Yes, please.  That's just my speed.  It truly was a wonderful day of country lovin', family fun and good times.  I consider myself to be a pretty lucky girl.  And may God forever bless America.  My home sweet home. Peace ya'll.