Happy Birthday, America!

Relaxing on the 4th...

Brecken was so proud to have made his own "meat sandwich" (a.k.a. hamburger)

Heading down to the Round Lake 4th of July festivities...

Brecken got to sit in the backseat of a police car today, which he found to be incredibly exciting. It was interesting to me that instead of walking immediately to the front seat (where there are buttons and a steering wheel and all kinds of fun), he instead walked straight to the back. What can I say- He is a boy of habit.

Here he was telling the police office to "close door!" To which she tried explaining that we had to keep it open or he would be stuck in there. I don't think he would have minded!

"MY DRIVE POLICE CAR!" Can you even IMAGINE the excitement he must have felt???

Checking out the lights and buttons in the police car. All of a sudden he said, "Hey! There's computer right there!!!!" Of all the things, he thought THAT was the most interesting??

Walking around the EP 4th of July festivities was like a very small version of the state fair.... Fried stuff on sticks, funnel cakes, mini donuts, YUM, YUM, and more YUM!!!! B and I settled on a funnel cake and frozen lemonade and Daddy got a beverage :)

Checking out the funnel cake for the first time...

Prepping the first bite...

First bite!

Love at first bite :)

Settling in by the stage to share our funnel cake and listen to music...

... and as it turned out, do LOTS of dancing!

B captured the attention of several people nearby with his mad dancing skills :) He even inspired a few around him and found some dance partners!

Watching the fireworks with neighbor Lexi, and sharing his light-up bracelets :)

A few minutes into fireworks, B said, "No more fireworks! No more fireworks!" After a few minutes, that was followed by, "Ok. Fireworks all done now?" We told him him many times that they made big noises but the noises wouldn't hurt us and we could talk about all of the colors we saw!" It soon turned into, "My see geen! My see pu-pple! My see yea-now!"

I, for one, took time during the fireworks to think about my buddy Matt who is fighting the fight in Afghanistan every day. Thanks to all of our service men and women for all they do.... Past and present. We are all blessed with our freedom because of the thankless work of others. Don't take it for granted!