4th of July weekend.

Train ride in record breaking heat wave (102 degrees). H.O.T!!!!!

Carousel rides in the same heat (what were we thinking???)

Feeding the sting-rays at the aquarium. So cool, both because it was indoors and because it was amazing.

Pony rides on Aunt Sara and Uncle Jeff.

Chillin' in her Ray Bans.

Big sis reading time.

Biking down to our neighborhood 4th of July parade!

Time for some zone defense.

Love me those chubby cheeks (hers, not mine).

Olivia signaling the parade for more candy!

We had a wonderful, albeit HOT weekend. I love 4th of July!!! I think I say this every holiday, but I really do love this one. :-) It is such a great reminder of this wonderful country that we live in. I am so thankful to be a citizen of the United States, even living in the state that constantly tries to talk about seceding... I am thankful to have been born a woman in this country. To be allowed each day to speak my mind and raise my voice for any opinion I might have (I have a lot). To read the books I want to read, to learn the things I choose in school, to teach others the information I wish, to form groups with whomever I wish, to marry who I wish (and divorce him if I chose), to have the career I chose (or not), to worship as I see fit. To fall asleep at night without fear for myself or my family. It is a great day to remember all those who make this country what it is. The service men and women of the present and the past, our founders who had such great vision, and the citizens of the country who contribute everyday in millions of ways to make our country work. With all our warts, there is no better place. Now I wish I had a gorgeous picture of fireworks to cap off the post but I don't, maybe next year?