Happy 4th of July

My two favorite holidays are

4th of July

&

Thanksgiving

Both have deep American roots.  

I remember the summer I lived in China

and celebrated our country's independence with just a handful of Americans.

I remember the emotion I felt so far away from my homeland.

I remember hearing the Star Spangled Banner that day and tears welling up in my eyes.

I remember how odd it was not to eat BBQ, see fireworks, and no sight of American flags lining the streets.

I hope today you will celebrate BIG and enjoy plenty to 

.

 We are celebrating the 4th with a lot of rain.

Looks like our annual decorating of the wagon will have to wait until the rain is over. 

While our kids were gone last week, I had sometime to put up some festive fun

I finally got to display the copy of the Declaration of Independence 

I bought in Williamsburg several years ago.

I went with pinwheels and accordions for a mantel banner

Shopped my house for some read flowers and put them in a glass vase 

I claimed out of an old barn earlier this week.

I left my starfish wrapped candles up.....

because I long to go to the beach this summer.....

but it is not going to happen (insert sad face)

HaPpPy BiRtHdAy, America!!!!!