Americans being American

This was the first 4th of July we have spent stateside in 4 years and we had big plans that included sparklers, grilling, and jumping in the lake (especially after the drive to Wisconsin with no A/C.....I seriously was sticking my head out the window like a dog!). We drove up for the day to Lake Geneva to hang out with my family (minus Auntie Katy...sniff).  As good lil' 'Mericans we spent the day participating in rampant patriotism and indulgent overeating...it is the American way after all! But I love the summer, the heat, my family, food, fireworks, and being together. And while I have new perspectives on all things American I will always be grateful for the opportunities and freedoms we have here.  And it was a new adventure to see the girls experience all the "hullabaloo" for the first time.


jumping in the lake with Babu

The girls were pumped they got to be IN the parade (and the fact that the parade was exactly 10 golf carts long did not make the cool-ness factor lessen at all!)

the difficult but oh-so-rewarding double sucker technique


quality time with Bibi & Babu

oh yeah! Being American is all about the grilled hot dogs.

sparkler 101 with Papa


and to end the night one little girl got to stay up WAY past her bedtime "like Mama it is the midle of the night" (sorta :) to see her first ever fireworks over the lake from the boat.

and it was worth it!

Celebrating America's Birthday.  Celebrating freedom here and asking our Father to bless all nations for His glory.

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:36

Happy 4th of July everyone from shiny, happy me,