Independence Day

The 4th of July was a special day around here. No big plans, and more importantly, no big projects hanging over our heads for the first time in a very long time. It was such a relaxing day! We had a great lunch at home together. . . delicious grilled burgers with cheese and bacon inside, tasty potato salad, berries galore, pasta salad, patriotic ice cream, and more! We were, of course, completely stuffed from the meal, so we relaxed and watched Meet the Robinsons (seen it? If not, do. It's adorable with a good message) before gearing up for the day's big event at the Rose Bowl.

For the 83rd year, many who call So Cal home gathered at America's stadium to celebrate Independence Day. Complete with family activities, tons of vendors, performances by five different drum corps, and a gazillion people tailgating on the grounds surrounding the Bowl, it's a huge deal around here. We've enjoyed going for several years now. This year, however, was so much more special.

On the move in anticipation of the fun!

Loving his own camping chair.

So excited he can't sit still!
(And yes, it's a Mariners hat on his cute little head, thanks to Auntie Debbie. . .or as he calls her, "Bam.")

Our dear boy LOVES fireworks. Really. He loves them. Just like any other boy, he's already in love with fire (not sure that's a good thing, but we'll keep an eye on him as he gets older ;) ). He loves to watch, and loves the sound even more. "Boom, bang, boom. . . (pause in fireworks). . . 'gain?" He can't get enough. This year, neither could we. Somehow we managed to snag one of the best spots around. We were right on the edge of the section closed off for safety reasons. Hmmm. Maybe not the best idea safety-wise, but the view was indescribable. The show is huge (the largest in Southern Cal), and about 30 minutes long. As we sat in our chairs, all snuggly under a blanket (Jonathan is the best at that!), we leaned back and watched the fireworks right over our heads. On multiple occasions, one or the other of us had soot or ash in our eyes or face. There were even a few times we (well, at least I) just plain got scared as we watched embers fall to the ground only maybe 20 feet from us. Really. . . we couldn't have safely been any closer. It was an incredible sight and something we won't soon forget. Enjoy a few shots of our view. . .

After the celebration was over, we sat in the car for about an hour waiting for traffic to clear. Jonathan loves having the chance to play in the car, so he loved every moment of it! So fun.

We hope you all had wonderful celebrations, and that you thank God for the freedom our country was founded upon, and that you pray for that freedom to be upheld into the near and distant future.

God bless America!