4th Festivites

Independence Day holiday 2012 was filled with fun, food, and professional-only fireworks due to the burn ban issued by the county.  Although we couldn't personally shoot our own array of glitter and colors, we loved soaking in TWO city displays with sweet friends.

Last year, Cole showed a huge breakthrough and wasn't afraid of the fireworks (noise), but this year added a new sweet boy on the scene :)  We weren't quite sure how Cade would react. . . little thing LOVED them!  So thankful we could sit close once again and enjoy the beauty of a lit up sky!

Cole and buddies anxiously awaiting the H'ville firework show on July 3
Finneys, Freemans, and Smiths, we love you guys!

I'm learning that these are typical family shots when two silly boys are in the mix.  *sigh*

4th Festive Breakfast

Flag waffles

Praising Jesus for the freedom of our great nation!

So thankful to raise these boys in "the land of the free and the home of the brave"

Later that morning, we joined a few families from our church small group and headed to a local assisted living home for an Independence Day parade.  We want our boys to value serving in their community and couldn't think of a better way to than to minister to these sweet men and women.  The kiddos decorated their bikes, wagons, etc. and circled for the residents to see, judge, and enjoy.  

Our festive wagon

Getting ready for the parade.  Lazy bones wanted to ride instead of pull 

Barrett's ready!

Bryson with NO training wheels!

Bauer would rather ride than pull :)

Jo-Jo's ready

J.R. to lead the way

A local Boy Scout leader was our Grand Marshall

Two peas in a pod

Happy 4th from the Johnson crew!

Four of the residents are military veterans and were our parade judges.  Army, Navy, and Air Force all 

represented - General Patton in the festive hat is also a Purple Heart recipient.  Honored to serve them as they once served us.

At the end of the parade, our Grand Marshall also recited from memory part of the Declaration of Independence.  A few of these men joined him - humbled to see the devotion to the nation that they once fought to preserve and protect.  We also stood for the pledge.  Although they struggled, all four (along with others) stood to honor a symbol of our freedom.  Brings tears to my eyes. . .

   

Our audience

Line 'em up!

Makin' the rounds

Lucy, a therapy dog, was also dressed for the occasion

Enjoying a sweet treat from the Morningside staff.  We can't wait to return to serve these precious men and women!