Happy Independence Day, America!

Happy Indepenence Day!  So many reasons that I am thankful for my country, even with its many flaws. 

With Sam's work schedule, I previously have spent only one Independence Day with him out of nine!  How wonderful then, that the second one we shared together would be the first one to have our girls home with us on American soil!

"Maycahn fahg!  Maycahn fahg!"  (American flag, for those of you who don't speak Charlotte-ese!)They shout very time they see one now.  I never knew how many flags were around town, on clothing, at businesses, even in the grocery store until I had my little patriotic scouts with me!

C can almost sing the entire Star-Spangled Banner with a little assistance.  I'm certain FL is not far behind, though hers sounds a little different. (And they were so excited to wear this crazy hairdo!). It has been a joy to teach them about their new home and all that goes with it.  Thankful for my freedoms, and theirs.

We celebrated by going to my parents' in the afternoon, swimming, eating watermelon and grilling out.

The girls couldn't wait to get in the pool.

Let me tell you, spikey little pigtails give this one extra sass!

Our pool time was short lived, though.  A big storm rolled in and we had to retreat to the sun porch.  No worries, the girls were kept quite happy with some watermelon for snack!

Thankfully, they REALLY like it!

Especially this spicy, spunky little one!  Yes, she are almost the whole thing!!!  She went straight to the tub afterward!

And, yes, I do exist!  I want my children to know I WAS really there!

Oh, how could I be so lucky as to marry such a handsome man?! ; )

FL was not at all frightened, but rather annoyed by her Papa's antics and having her snack time interrupted.  No kisses for you, Papa!

This little girl loves him and thinks of him as her prince no matter what!  Kisses for silly Papa!

I love her, too.  I'm a blessed mama.

As for fireworks, I SO wanted to try it, but didn't think the girls would enjoy it at all.  My parents had some sparklers.  Sam wanted to be the one to hold them, but two cute girls showed their bravery and took over!

Oh, they loved it!

I could have watched them enjoy these all evening!

Fireworks were going on all around us, which they though was fantastic!  I was thrilled!

They wanted more, more, more!

Someone, who shall remain nameless, tried to grab the sparkly part of the sparkler...  We intervened at just the right time!  I'm sure you can't even imagine who would do such a thing!

All in all, it was probably one of the best, if not the best, 4th that I've had.

And living in America has a lot to do with it, along with two very special little people and my little family.