4th of July

We had a busy day... and a hot one too!  We slept in a bit after an early morning bathroom break.  Then headed over to the park for the local HS sports booster Pancake Breakfast.  We got to see some of Cole and my old coaches which was nice.  Sierra scarfed down her pancakes and sausages... and then had some of mine!  We played at the park playground a bit and took at turn at the petting zoo before heading back home.  While we were at the park Uncle Chris and Aunt Rita arrived... and uncle Chris so willingly gave Sierra a shoulder ride home despite the drops of sweat it produce in the already hot morning sun.  (This is such a fond memory I have from my uncle growing up... and I have memories of Cole giving his niece shoulder rides when we were first dating!)

We sat around to cool off and have some water at the house before heading off for the small town 4th of July parade.  Sierra was excited about the police car, fire truck, horses, children dressed up, etc. that passed on by... and probably even more excited about all the candy that was thrown out her way!  We then wondered down to the park and spent the next couple of hours waiting in lines and letting Sierra play on the bouncy equipment, doing some finger painting, eating festival food, and visiting with folks we don't see often.  It was so nice for Sierra to get to experience a small town feel with the festivities!

Things kept on heating up in the afternoon so we headed back to Grandma and Papas for a cold shower to reset us.  Then it was time for more Bar-B-Q and fun with cousins.  Sierra played some tag and hide and seek with her cousins and there was a lot of laughter to be had... for Sierra and all those around as well!  As things settled down and family left Sierra headed to the rodeo with her Auntie Aim and Grandma Lulu.  Papa and I cleaned things up and got caught up on other things (such as blogging!)

Fireworks... oh the fireworks!  Sierra was awfully tired but determined not to miss these!  I don't know if she remembered them from last year or not but she knew they were going to be a big deal.  As we walked down to the end of the street she kept saying oh I hope I see a pink one.  And sure enough right from the get go there were several pink ones.  She was in awe... mouth open wide watching!  It was almost as much fun to watch her as it was the fireworks! 

And of course this blog wouldn't be complete without reflecting on our life and what the 4th means for us.  The 4th... about twelve years ago was the start of something much bigger for Cole and I.  And now was the beginning block of a 12 year friendship, 7 year marriage, a pup and two children!  It is also the main cause and purpose for Cole's job as he currently serves our country.  The defense and preservation of our safety and our country is what has called him now three times over to so bravely, boldly, and selflessly spend time in places that most of us cannot fathom.  To my wonderful husband, those that serve with and around him, those that have gone before him and will come after him I am grateful.  We live in one of the greatest nations of all time... May God Bless America and guide those that lead us as we try to steer back on track!