Images of Freedom

There's no better way I could be spending this Thunderstorming day then to blog a little. It's been a while since I've blogged a "meaty" post.

This area is a wonderful place to be when our Country's Birthday comes around. My kids and I have so many traditions we keep each year. Unfortunately, we missed out on a few of those due to unforeseeable circumstances. But that's alright. We made the best with the time we had and the activities we went to.


Of course, the Balloon Launch.  We didn't leave in time to watch them go up this year.  It seems like every other year I forget how early you have to arrive to actually watch the breath of fire bring these ginormous balloons to life.  It's still so early that my kids have swollen sleepy eyes and awesome bed heads. 




This year Darth Vador decided to join the party.  Jaren was so excited about this he ran ahead, followed by Beckham.  We lost them for about 15 minutes.  Jaren had no clue that he was lost.  He swore he told me what he was doing.  Really?  And where were you planning on meeting back up with us?  Teenagers.  I guess this is just the beginning.



Clouds make for much more interesting photos.


As I looked at this photo again,  I compared myself to this lone Balloon.  Sometimes I feel like that single balloon, surrounded by clouds, yet alone, wondering where the winds of life will take me next.  So far, the winds of life has blown in directions I never imagined for myself.  Sometimes the direction we think we should be going really isn't the right one for us.  That's what's so fun about life.  Looking back at the path already traveled, and looking forward to what's ahead.



The American Flag.  This symbol conjures up all sorts of emotions.  Right now, I feel mostly gratitude.  Even though our country finds itself in turmoil, I am grateful for the freedom I still have.  I put a lot of faith in the leaders of this country and I pray that they will have softened hearts to come together to bring us out of the mess they got us into. 



Sisters.  There is no other relationship built around more fierce feelings then that of being a sister.  One moment you hate each other so much you want to claw each other's eyes out.  And the next, your giving such beautiful compliments you never think another cat fight will happen.  Until it does, because we all know the happy moments are fleeting.  Then again, the fights are fleeting as well.  I barely survived with one sister.  I don't know how my 4 girls are going to do it.  I hope they have a lot of love and even more forgiveness. 




Sparklers.  AWESOME night time entertainment.



My Brent.  Such a kid at heart. 



My Grace.  Over coming fears isn't always easy.  It's taken a lot of coaxing and encouraging to get her to wave this magical wand by herself. 

I love how each year is different in the same tradition.  I always seem to look back and think "I should have done more."  I think I feel like that more often then not.  Getting places with 6 children, doing activities with 6 children isn't always the easiest thing in the world to accomplish.  When it does happen, it's a miracle.  Every single time.