The 4th of July has always been one of my most favorite holidays for so many reasons. For one, I love the summer! I mean, who doesn't?? Swimming, watermelon, warm nights and the list goes on. For a more important reason, I love my country and am deeply patriotic. I love the history of how our country was founded, the principles that it stands for and the wonderful freedoms we all enjoy. While I was in Canada a few years ago on our American Independence day, I realized that while I do love America, the freedom I love isn't America's freedom, it is our God given freedom that I cherish. And while America and a bunch of other countries, like Australia, stand up for that God given freedom, it isn't theirs. I am so grateful for the great plan of happiness and that while God will invite us to follow Him, He will force no man into heaven. So let freedom ring!!! Because of this principle and the fact that I do love America, we still celebrate our countries Independence Day while not in our country.
Grandma Kris (Lidybug) made all my kids these adorable American flag sweaters since it isn't summer here for the 4th, but winter. I could hardly wait to have them all sport them all day and show their American pride.
My four favorite little Americans!!
Our newest little American...even though she is also Australian! Sofie actually has a certificate that says she is an official citizen born abroad. :)
Normally, the girls are supposed to wear uniforms to school, but on the fourth, I said, stuff it, God bless America!!!
My American buddies. :)
Oh, that Sofie was being so adorable!!
Love her!!!
That night we had an Independence Day party. We invited all the Americans we knew and the missionaries and had lots and lots of food! We had American hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, smores (as best we could without graham crackers), and more. It was a good time.
We made some patriotic jello...here's Lily making towers with it. :)
Here is Ava writing notes to her friends telling them that we're moving to America....
After we ate, we broke out the sparklers and party poppers for the kids. There were only my kids that were young enough to enjoy them....and Lily's friend, McKenzie, from school who was sleeping over.
I love so many things about this picture of Ava....her awesome bangs and her pink boots that she constantly wears to name a few.
McKenzie enjoying her first July 4th celebration. :)
It was a good night, spent with friends and although we wished we could have celebrated in true American fashion back home with our families we were glad to have good friends and good food to celebrate with. God bless the land of the free and the home of the brave!!!!! Play ball!!!
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