This morning I’m sitting on our back porch writing this as my two-year-old plays in his water table. The ceiling fans are humming, the birds are chirping and the summer air isn’t yet too hot for this fair-skinned sweaty girl! The day is sweet with promise of fun and celebration!
My oldest is out fishing with Dan and his brother. They got up really early this morning to get on the water. It looks like they’re having a blast from the text messages and photos I keep getting!
We have a pretty relaxing fourth planned… which actually entails no real plans at all! I’m sure the day will end with family, good food and fireworks and what better could we ask for on this wonderful holiday!
I feel like this year I’ve really taken a moment to reflect on just how blessed we are to be celebrating our independence! How wonderful it is to live in such an amazing country and to have so many brave souls who have fought or are fighting for us so we can continue to live so freely.
To find yourself looking to the sky in wonder at a fireworks display, to enjoy homemade ice cream in the backyard with family, to watch children run and play with no worries, to head to the lake for the weekend, to have a drink and some great laughs with friends, to live it up today and every day in this country we must pause on this holiday and truly find gratitude in our freedoms.
This week Rustic Honey Boutique has a giveaway going on over on Facebook and we asked for you to comment special memories or traditions surrounding the 4th of July. I can’t tell you how much it filled my heart to read those! The great American dream shines through in every story!
My fondest 4th of July memories are from childhood when my aunt and uncle would host an annual fish fry at their home in town. I can still see their yard all decorated, tables and chairs with loved ones chatting, the men out back with the beer, frying fish and uncle Russel’s famous onion rings. The women standing around us kids, laughing and chatting, probably trying to keep from panicking over the way their children were lighting up all of the fireworks in the driveway!
Every time I hear the deafening firecrackers, see the foggy smoke bombs and smell those sparklers it takes me back to those beloved hot summer days! The times full of family, good food, and FREEDOM. Those memories sure feel like the good ole American dream!
Today the grass is green, the sun is hot and that Missouri humidity will be high I’m sure! The grills will fire up, the firecrackers will catch you off guard, the smoke bombs will be colorful, and that smell of freedom will be ever- joyful!
I hope you have a blessed and safe 4th of July!
<3 Lauren