This Is My Country

I love the United States of America. I've traveled all over the world and I love visiting different places and meeting people, but I'm always glad to come home. Even with all it's faults, this is a wonderful place to live. It has almost become politically incorrect to be proud to be an American, but I always have been and always will be. I think you can be a proud American without being an obnoxious one.

We started preparing for July 4 last week with a special hairdo. Creating this star took me FOREVER! I even cut out a template and still had a really hard time getting it close to even.

I then parted the rest of the hair to kind of follow the lines of the star, but also be zig-zaggy.

I put in red white and blue beads, including two strands that spell "USA."

On Sunday, the kids wore patriotic outfits. I know Jalen's is a stretch as far as fashion goes, but I loved it.

On the fourth, we got up early and went to nearby Gilbert for the Peach Festival. We got there in time for the parade. To me, the fourth needs a parade. I counted 18 tractors in the parade! (And at least that many royalties - who knew a little town could have so many princesses?)

 Our only family shot of the day - self portrait.

I was very disappointed that the parade watchers didn't stand for the first flag in the parade. I expected a little more patriotism from small-town America. (I was also disappointed to see a black lawn jockey. I'm choosing to believe that it was out of ignorance and not racism.)

There was a Revolutionary War camp. The website had mentioned a re-enactment. This wasn't even close, but it was still pretty cool.

There were some pretty cool cars in the car show.

Best of all was the fresh peach ice cream. YUM!

 We let each kid ride one carnival ride. Jalen chose the "airplanes." 

Baylie was excited to do the bungee tramp since she wasn't able to do it at the family reunion. (They closed just as she got to the ride.)

We went home for a much needed nap and then headed to the home of our friends the Mousers for a barbecue and party. They lit off fireworks, but our kids freaked out and we had to leave early. (Well, and also because Jalen had an accident all down my leg...)

I'm grateful for parents that taught me to be patriotic and love my country. I hope my children will learn the same.