Oh long may it wave...

Our fourth of July consisted of our usual traditions. We had a slow morning then made our way to Red Grandma's house before the road closed down for the parade.

Every good parade needs llamas right?

 Sometimes I just am amazed at the differences in my big boys. Charlie was ravenous when the candy was thrown, Miles sat by me during the parade and if the candy looked worth getting, he would walk over and daintily pick it up. haha! (Guess who ended up with more candy?)

 Max picked up his parents and they made their way to grandma's house too, we brought food and there was tons to eat! We spent time playing with cousins and eating too much food

 As the sun went down, we started some fireworks on my grandma's street. I think about 3 costco size boxes were contributed! All the boys loved the fireworks...even the loud ones!

enthralled with the "pooping puppy" firework...

The sun went lower so we then made our way to the high school, where Max's parents were saving us a spot on the field. We set out our blankets and danced to the music and passed out glow sticks. Last year, Charlie had bought a pack of glow sticks and sold some of them, he was going to do the same thing this year with the leftovers, but we found out that a bunch of them weren't working so we just cracked them all and the boys passed out the good ones for free and made a lot of people happy!

 At the twilight's last gleaming...

 A little bit more dancing and then the lights went out and the firework show began!

 

It was some enjoyable family time. 

I have the privilege of picking the hymns we sing on Sunday and the following Sunday we sang Battle Hymn of the Republic.  This line stood out to me "As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free, While God is marching on. Glory Glory, Hallelujah..." As I contemplate the ultimate sacrifice Chirst made and the sacrifice so many have done for our freedom, I'm filled with gratitude that I can raise my children in a place where so many opportunities and freedoms are before them. I hope we can continue to live to make men and women and children free!