4th of July

I was looking back at my blog and realized that I never shared about our 4th of July. Even though we did the same old thing, we had a lot of fun doing it. It was Allison's first 4th of July so it was special.
We went to the Dye's house for breakfast before the parade started. They live right on the parade route and were kind to invite us to their home to watch the parade after breakfast. Azure and Claire were really excited because they got the chance to ride on Papa and Mamie's wagon to the house. They love to sit in it and many people we passed thought they were so cute in their matching red white and blue outfits. They looked so patriotic! After a nice quiche breakfast we waited and listened for the sirens that start the parade. They were soft at first, but they got louder. When they got close to us, the fire trucks let off a big sound and it made Allison cry and Claire started to cry. They had such sad little faces!
After all the loud trucks and cars and motorcycles went by, we were able to settle down and watch the rest of the parade. We were waiting for Mamie to walk by so we could cheer her on. She was in the parade representing her work- The University of La Verne. She held on to some special candy for the girls. Azure was able to get some candy and she was happy. Azure's favorite was the horses. She always loves the horses. I'm pretty sure Claire didn't care about anything. She was pretty tired and close to her nap time by the end. After the parade, we pulled the girls back on the wagon.
Later that night, we took Azure and Claire to the local park and watched the fireworks. Fernando and I each took a child and covered her ears. Claire loved the bright lights and clapped. Azure wouldn't even open her eyes to look, she was so scared. I was disappointed because she loved them the year before. But she has a fear of loud sounds.
The 4th of July is one of my favorite Holidays. It is a special day to recognize the freedom in this country and the people who are fighting for it. I have many friends who are in the Military Service and I tear up knowing that they are putting their lives on the line for me and my kids. Just because of them I know that my kids will have a better life in a free country that they will be able to voice their opinions and not be punished, that they can take a stand in their beliefs and morals, that they can get an education wherever they want and whatever they want. I am proud to be an American. And from the bottom of my heart I thank all those who dedicate their lives to this country so that I can have that freedom.