was pretty quiet, minus the fireworks, but we were ok with that. We started the day with a 3.5 mile walk/run and then caught up on some chores. My friend called me lame for that, which was true, but you gotta take advantage of a day off in the middle of the week sometimes.

Jon made us a nice holiday meal and then we dug into a dessert of Watermelon with Feta cheese. It was as simple a day as you could get but so nice to relax with the kids.

Fourth recap

We had a very full Independence day - okay, not really.
The absence of family makes it such that we really don't put effort into a barbecue or anything. So, we had spaghetti. The kids don't mind. All they are concerned with are the pyrotechnics. And being some what of a pyro myself, I look forward to them as well.

We did have a backyard campfire to roast marshmallows and make s'mores. We also hosted a couple of sleepovers for the kids. The neighborhood kids were in and out of our door all day, going between their swing set and ours and grabbing watermelon along the way. It took all my effort to keep Trae from streaking out in the yard. I had to go collect his clothes a few times. He's become somewhat known as the naked baby of the neighborhood.

When the sun went down we were ready for the fireworks display. It was a little late before we got to them which I'm sure made the neighbors happy. Jon lit the fireworks in the middle of the street and all the kids would yell "car" when they saw headlights coming.

It was very mullets and drinking cap-ish but a whole lotta fun.

Red, White and Blue inspiration

Happy 4Th of July, America!

Red, white and blue looks good on you.

I love fireworks. This picture is of the Vancouver, WA side of the Columbia River and where I watched the fireworks display growing up - seeing them on the water makes for a great setting.

Be safe!

*Images courtesy of Martha Stewart Living, Country Living,

Delish.com and Vancouver short stay.com

Thanks, Francis

Our iconic anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner," is arguably one of the most difficult songs to sing. I'm not even a singer and I know that its two, is it two?, octave range is tough. You only have to look at a televised sporting event to see that this is true. Even some of the best singers in the country have mangled it's tune, leaving others to play it safe and lip sync in front of thousands at a stadium.
And don't even get me started on people who can't sing and still tried...

This anthem stirs up emotion and leaves us with swelled pride. Pride in a country that tries its best. Even when we are not all on the same page or unhappy with situations in the United States, we can count on that song to unite us, even if for a moment. I wonder if Francis Scott Key knew that he penned emotions that night which would follow us through all of these years?

It's words have always misted my eyes.

The fourth verse, one of my favorites, always causes that.
I do love this country of mine...

O! thus be it ever, when free men shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Do you have a favorite patriotic song?

Have a safe and Happy 4Th of July! Fireworks oh yeah!!