July 4th, 1776

We went to fireworks last night in hopes that we would bypass the 3 hour wait for tonight's fire. In the past we have gone over to Coronado Island and watched all 3 displays light up at once over the water with downtown as the backdrop. Gorgeous. But the traffic was so congested and honestly caused so much sin in our little car last year (mostly mommy trying to boss daddy around) that we decided we'd try the "lower key" version this year. We were surprised and delighted to find that only about 2,000 people had the same idea we did! After the 29 minute (yes!) display was over, and after my Chase huddled and shaking in my arms and my Skye bounced through the whole presentation all the while winging his light wand around, we walked in the balmy evening to our car singing old classics like "God Bless America", with the line "from California..." especially being a hit.
We woke up and made a Bon Appetit red white and blue breakfast pancakes, with strawberries, m'ms and blueberries. (not all combined) and read parts of the Declaration of Independence together.
I think the more we live in this neighborhood and see fighting and dissension each day, we've been given a teeny peak into the lives of the old soldiers. We are trying to realize that our freedom came with a price and not only are we grateful for common grace, but we are grateful for what our forefathers sacrificed and what wisdom and understanding God gave them.

So, stop today even as you are eating your hot dog or hamburger or Bon Appetite pancake and thank God for what He has done and will continue to do for us. He didn't forget us then when there were only handfuls of men alive, forging new trails and breathing the cold, smoke filled air. And even in this time where there is too much war and too much information, God is still ahead of us, leading us. God is blessing....

July 4th, 1776 an anniversary of the day the wording of the declaration was approved by Congress, our nation’s birthday.

“We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

While still at war with Great Britain, the Declaration was a statement adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776. It was initially neglected following the revolution and it’s symbolic nature grew over the years, most notably through the influence of Abraham Lincoln.

Happy Day that I can make my breakfast with the finest ingredients without someone trying to hurt me or my land!