Sparks Flew...Emotions Ran High...

Yesterday was the embodiment of summer in all its American glory! The morning started with a family bike ride at Prospect Lake/Memorial Park. It was my kind of bike ride...no hills, plenty of shade, and bathrooms everywhere! Shannon, Deanna, Cathy, my Mom and Dad, and Emma took a stroll instead of riding, but we all connected at the end and let the babies play in the water...

I wonder if these little ones know why they are wearing red, white, and blue. I wonder if they understand what was sacrificed for them to be free to play, learn, and grow up in a world that allows them to choose for themselves. They can become anything they want to be...astronauts, musicians, artists...and they are encouraged every step of the way! I hope none of them have to personally witness what it takes to maintain that freedom, but I am deeply grateful for those that have and continue to do so.

Later that day (after Trenton and I had our "annual" Fourth of July argument-long story, but we always manage to get into it on the fourth...it's kind of a family joke now) we went and swam at Shannon's and then had some yummy treats with friends and family. It's always especially fun to celebrate the Fourth at Shannon's because she is extremely patriotic. Her entire apartment is decked out in Americana and I am certain there is a sexy military man out there that desperately needs the kind of devoted appreciation only Shannon can offer (air force only please).

After partying at Shannon's we all went down to the fireworks that are displayed over the golf course at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort. We met up with Heather and Tim at our friends Ben and Lisa's mom's house. We could not have asked for a more beautiful evening...perfectly warm air and cushion-soft grass to sink our bare feet in as we waited for the sun to set and the show to begin.

Emma was very excited during all the festivities leading up to the fireworks but I was surprised at how she reacted during the show. Her life must be pretty extraordinary on a regular basis because she reacted like it was any other day. She even fell asleep near the end. I did my best to keep her little ears plugged and the lights must have been just enough to lull her to a dreamy slumber. It was so darling seeing the different colors sporadically flash on her face. I just love her so much...



The energy of a child never ceases to amaze me. I was stumbling around all day in an exhausted daze today, yet my little nieces and nephews woke up fresh and excited to enjoy another summer day. If only I possessed that unending zest for life!






Here's to Life, Liberty, and Happiness!
Love,
Janet, Trenton, Emma, and Gary