::fourth::

"America, America!
God shed his grace on thee."

-Katharine Lee Bates

This year...
We got to go to Stadium of Fire on the 2nd! And it was pretty awesome! We were crammed in there like sardines, but it was a good time.

Ava came with us ('cause she has to eat). She thought it was kinda loud. We had some little earplugs for her, but it was still pretty loud. She and I stood on the ramp and under the stands during some of the really loud stuff.

There were lots of pretty cool patriotic things. I especially liked the parachuters. They played a patriotic song (I can't remember which one), while parachuters dressed in red, white, and blue jumped from a plane above the stadium. The final (4th) parachuter brought the flag with him. It was pretty great. Something about seeing that flag and hearing the songs about America, just fills my heart with pride!

There was music, speeches, some beach balls being thrown around in the stands, some little dancers on the field...lots to see.

Then, the biggest reason why we wanted to go...

Mr. Brad Paisley himself.

I'm not usually a big country music fan, but this guy I like. A lot.
He was great! It was so fun!

On the fourth, we did our usual swimming, dinner in the park, and some fireworks.

(Chloe on the big slide)

(Portie-he came so fast, I only got his head under water)

(and Bubb w/ Da-da)

This holiday, again, leaves me feeling incredibly thankful. I try to always be mindful of the sacrifices made by so many for the freedoms and blessings we enjoy.

Happy 4th of July!