Independence day

We had a great day today. Oliver slept for 3 hours straight TWICE! So, I think I actually got a workable amount of sleep last night- at least, the garbage bags and dark circles under my eyes were less obvious- its a miracle what a little reasonable sleep will do:)

I PROMISE I TOOK PICTURES (mom!) and I'll show them to you when you get here on friday- but we've packed up the desk- and all the cords with it! So, pics are coming.

Back to why today was a great day:

We spent some time with some old but very good friends: Taylor and Kiersten Smith with their two ADORABLE children- London (who was HILARIOUS) and Ashton (who mainly slept:).

They were only able to stay for a small time- like 1.5 hours- because they were on their way to a dinner at a family member's place- but it was WONDERFUL to see them! London is so cool! She was bossing James around like it was going out of style but in such a sweet little voice- FUNNY!!!! And he just went along with it! They made instant friends- running around, picking up feathers at the park, sitting in the bird poop (which Drue did NOT like:), laughing and climbing on cars! London has named all white cars "Camancho" and all red cars "Lightning McQueen". Taylor said he had no idea where Camancho came from. Which of course just makes things funnier!

Kiersten had her son, Ashton, in April and I had Oliver in May so it was fun to chat chat chat with her! I used to accompany her- she's a great Violinist:)- and I was happy to see her again and to spend time with her lovely family!

We cooked Dogs, had yummy salad, ACTUAL soda, and Drue and I will have ice cream later ;). James got to play with sparklers and poppers for the first time and he LOVED it! I got some great pictures of that!

Oliver watched everything for a little while, then laid for a photo shoot and then got sleepy- sweet boy!

Again, sorry for the lack of pics on this post- they are coming!- AFTER the move... if I remember...

I am thankful for this Independence Day. My good friend and "cuz" Christopher Challie Long said something like : "Why do we wish people 'happy 4th of July'? Thats like wishing people a very merry December th 25th. Its Independence Day, NOT the 4th of July."

Thank you for reminding me, chris, why we even celebrate on this day! I am thankful for the courage the people on this land had to create for themselves a country where someone can make their reality come true! I am not an aristocrat. Nor am I homeless and hopeless. America is all about Hope. We truly live in the "Land of Opportunity" where you can make big things happen for you if you are willing to work for it. Work hard and reap the rewards. HOPE is what drives the America I know. It doesn't matter where you're from, what color your skin is, whether you speak with an accent or how much money your parents have (sometimes:). Every single person in America is entitled to the same HOPE that begat this nation, under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all!

The Star Spangled Banner says " ... and this be our motto: In God is our trust, and the Star Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."

May we have FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY this Independence day for all...