The red, white, and blue!

Allow me to take a moment to express my patriotic feelings. I assure the project is going well, and my summer is productive, but the intent of this post is just to honor the U.S. of A.

The Fourth of July is honestly one of my favorite days of the year. I cannot explain to you the feelings of patriotism and thankfulness that I feel when I see the flag of the United States of America flying, and I hear the Star Spangled Banner being played. The fireworks celebrations, the good fellowship with family and friends, and the simply American touches like apple pie and homemade ice cream are just too much to handle sometimes. I ALWAYS get teary-eyes on the fourth of July.

Two years ago, I had the privilege of celebrating the Fourth of July in Washington, D.C. at the nation's capitol. The celebration was TRULY amazing, and I specifically remember thinking that I would never have a better fourth. We enjoyed the spectacular music and breath-taking fireworks on the lawn of the Capitol and I was truly in love with the United States of America.

Last year, I topped even that day off. Last year I spent the fouth with my closest family, celebrating the life of my father, who passed away two days before. Actually, my father passed away a year ago today, and I have spent today remembering the great legacy that he left behind for us. What a wonderful role-model he was.

So, last year, my mom and brothers, nephew and husband loaded up and went to the lake to celebrate the Fourth of July. We packed a picnic lunch, took the boat and tube, and set out to take our mind off of our loss. It started raining as soon as we got there, and everyone fled the lake thinking that a good old East TExas storm was about to ensure. However, we stuck it out. At this point in our lives, it didn't seem like a little rain was a big deal. So, numb to the petty factors of weather, we were just about the only people left at the previously crowded lake, and as soon as the rain had come, the rain went away and the sun started to peak out. We finished our lunch and headed out on the boat to enjoy playing in the lake by ourselves. We tubed, and rode around and had a lot of fun just being together. Last year's Fourth of July definately topped 2007.

I am expecting great things from this Fourth of July this year as well. Brad and I plan to have all of our family and friends over to our house on Saturday for a cook-out. On the menu, hamburgers, chips, cheese dip, potato salad, homemade ice cream, apple pie, soda, lemonade, and popsicles! How much more American can you get? We're going to have a slip-n-slide for the kids, and when it gets dark we're going to head over to the fair grounds and watch Texarkana's annual fireworks display. I'm really excited about spending the time with family and friends.

Hope all of my classmates who won't be at "home" this Fourth of July can enjoy their own freedom in some special way. Thinking of you all!