Proud to be an American

 i feel as though i am a patriotic person.

not only on the 4th of July, but there are a lot of times throughout the year that i get that warm fuzzy feeling in my heart, and sharp tears in my eyes when i see a flag, or hear the national anthem.

i am also overcome with emotion when i think about the men and women who have and continue to sacrifice for our freedom. i am so proud to be an American.

i hope that i can teach my children to be grateful for our country and to love and respect it as well.

that being said, the 4th of July holds a special place in my heart :)

it is the holiday we always get to be in Idaho for, and I think that makes it that much more special.

 we usually head down to the river and stake out our place for the celebration early in the morning, and then take turns keeping an eye on things throughout the day, to finally enjoy the awesome 45 min long fireworks show (best show this side of the Mississippi!) but, since we were low in the number of adults this year, and high in the number of high energy toddlers, we opted to watch the show in a open field a little farther away, and show up 30 min before it started.

 we couldn't see the fireworks in their full glory, and i think that being farther away didn't quite capture Camden's attention like it did last year, but it was a good fit for our mood and what we were willing to do.  everyone had a good time.  another successful 4th of July!