4th of July

I love the 4th of July. I love the warmth of the day. I love living in this free country. I love the unity I feel, when we gather together to celebrate our Independence. I love the family time.

Float from the parade.


Camden 'reading' the Constitution with Uncle Dave.


It really is such a great holiday! Every year we do pretty much the same thing. We go to the parade and sit in the same spot that we have sat in, every year since I became a Graham. This year Matt took the kids to the breakfast in the park, before the parade. Afterwards, the majority of us go to the firemen's lunch for firemen, and their families at the park. (Matt's brother Mike is a fireman.) They provide a great BBQ and squirt the kids down with hoses, and set up slip 'n slides for the kids to go down. They love it! After that, we usually go home for some down time before heading back to the amphitheater for a picnic, and the symphony. There is a carnival and shops set up in the park, so the kids usually like to go check that out, and buy a treat for the fireworks. This year they came back with 10 bags of cotton candy to share with everyone. :) Then, we listen to the symphony until the fireworks start. It is a great time, and we love spending it with family.



Dillon doing the scouts salute at the Pledge of Allegiance.

Camden sleeping at the fireworks.



We did fireworks the night before the 4th at our house, and Camden was not a fan AT ALL. He was scared to death, so we weren't sure how the big fireworks would go. He sat very still on Matt's lap (which isn't like him) but he didn't cry. He eventually fell asleep in Matt's arms. (Which isn't like him at all either.) The other kids loved them, and playing with their cousins. Logan sat and cuddled with me for a long time during the fireworks, which was so nice. It was so great to have Matt healthy, and there. Last 4th, was not the best day for me, and this year was a world of difference.