July 4th

Here are the boys before our first parade in Murray. Reilly LOVED the parade. He'd look at what was in front of him and then turn his head to see what was next. He was very much into the entire parade.
Braedon does not appreciate me taking his picture. During the parade he quickly decided that he liked the tootsie rolls that were being thrown but nothing else. Instead of running around like the other children picking up every single piece of candy in sight, he looked at each piece first and only if it was a tootsie roll would he pick it up.

I have had many different moving patriotic experiences during my life. I spent a July 4th sitting on the steps of the United States Capitol watching the fireworks shoot up above the Washington Monument while listening to our National Orchestra and Symphony. I have stood with a group of High School Junior girls and Veterans at The Vietnam Veterans Memorial and on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial and sung patriotic songs. I have sat in the gallery of the House of Representatives during the Nicaragua Contra Hearings. I have met with and talked with several Senators from different states, including taking a limo ride with Strom Thurmond. I have assisted in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. I have walked in the Rose Garden at the White House. I have sung, in a group, our National Anthem at a special ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary Ampitheater. All of these experiences have been extremely touching and special to me, but they all fall short of what I got to do yesterday. For the first time, my sons saw a July 4th parade (actually 2), listened to a concert, and saw fireworks. We had never stayed up long enough to take Braedon to see them and the loud noise would have made him cry anyway. Yesterday, we sat on the lawn in Sandy and watched them together. To see his little face light up when they went off and to see him smile was nothing less than perfect. Reilly screamed during the fireworks, so we put him in his stroller. It was the best day and we were pretty tired afterward.

I love the 4th of July. It's a day when family can get together and celebrate our Independence as a Nation. If you can't tell, it is also my favorite holiday. I hope all of you had a great holiday and spent it with your family building lasting memories.