My Patriotic Yard.....

My yard is even getting into the spirit this year!

I have gorgeous blue hydrangeas and lovely red roses growing and a surprise cherry tree too!!

Happy Fourth Of July!!!!

This is by far my most favorite holiday!!

Growing up, the 4th of July meant family BBQ's in the backyard with fresh watermelon, corn on the cob, hamburgers on the grill and my mom's yummy blueberry supreme dessert.

We'd top the evening off with a fireworks show.

Something about crowds of people sitting in chairs or lying on blankets with snack filled coolers beside them, all gathered for the same reason while little ones run around with sparklers and adults laugh together over shared jokes just gives me a warm feeling.

I love fireworks shows!!

When we got a little older, we'd set off our own fireworks in the front of our house along with some of our neighbors.

It was just as fun and the atmosphere was always celebratory and festive.

When my kids were little,
I'd paint their faces with American flags and stars, dress them up in red, white and blue and we'd go watch the parade in our tiny little seaside town of Saint Marys, Ga.
We'd follow that with a BBQ with friends and then set out our lawn chairs and blankets to watch the fireworks.
It was small town americana and I loved it!

In Bristol, Rhode Island last year we were able to see the oldest 4th of July parade and it was fabulous! It was two hours in length and five miles long!

We've celebrated the 4th in Maryland, Florida, Georgia, California, Rhode Island and now today in Washington.
I've loved them all!

This year, we are going to watch the fireworks from our deck while we make smores.
We are also going to set off a few of our own and then enjoy the ones that the neighbors set off.
I'm grilling out steaks for Zach and I and hot dogs for the girls.
I've already got watermelon and pineapple cut up and ready to go.
I talked to David this morning and he's enjoying a port call in Jevel Ali Dubai.
In another post, I have some neat photos to share from his visit.

I hope that you all have a fun filled fourth of July with your families.
Remember "Freedom is not Free."