Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day! Thank you to our troops, current and past, who give our country the freedom to worship the Lord our God, Jesus Christ. This is a privilege that many of America's citizens, including myself, take for granted. That I can bow my head in a public restaurant, put a fish symbol on the back of my Volvo, and drive to church as easily as I can drive to the supermarket is a gift that we need to appreciate. Because it is through Jesus Christ and no one else that we truly have freedom! Thank you!

In honor of America's Birthday, we traveled to Nashville to spend time with family. Thursday while I was packing Emily learned how to play hide and seek in my bathroom. I found her! And yes, I do have a Laugh N' Learn table in my bathroom. If you have kids, you understand.

When we arrived Thursday night we got to visit with Grandma Jamie, Grand-Dude, Aunt Leigh and Rowan. Emily has been getting some new teeth and it's been hard work. Grandma Jamie had to walk a few miracle laps around the downstairs to get Emily to sleep.

Friday morning we got dressed and went to lunch with our good friends Lindsey and Jeremy. Emily was posing in her festive dress by Grandma Jamie's front door before we left.

Emily with her proud Godmother and Godfather. Love you guys!

Snuggles for Jeremy! This was so sweet and totally unprovoked.

After lunch Emily and I went shopping with Grandma Jamie. Then we met the boys for dinner at a great new Cajun restaurant in Cool Springs. Yummy shrimp and grits. After dinner we made one more stop at Costco and of course Grandma Jamie spoiled her girl with a new pink Winnie the Pooh blanket.

Saturday morning we got up and took Emily to Cottonwood for their 4th of July parade. We missed the parade but enjoyed the walk over there. We got to visit with our good friend Anne who is expecting her first child in September. After the long, hot walk home Emily was pooped!

After a nap she was a good as new! We got to see some big fireworks over the river behind the house. Emily managed to stay awake just long enough to see them. She did great! Dave set off some little fireworks in front of the house and Emily liked the lights, but not so much the sound.

Sunday was a cook-out with all the family. Aunt Alexa brought Zach, Nathan and Sydney over for chicken and ribs. We not only celebrated America's Birthday, but also Ms. Sydney's Birthday. She turned 3 years old on July 3rd. Emily LOVED spending time with her big cousins. I tried to get a picture of the three little ones, but this was the best I could do. Zach is almost 14 so of course he is too cool for a picture.

Just some girl talk. :)

Emily seems a bit skeptical...
Before we hit the road we managed to get one family picture. Emily first 4th of July was a success!

God Bless America!