Our Fourth Of July

The kids and I had an amazing and chill fourth of July,  in the past we always tried to pack as much into the day, from the little fair they use to have on base in Germany, to whatever parade.  Over time I learned that none of us really enjoyed it, because it was hot, stuffy, and crowded.

We started to reinvent our day to what works for us, what makes us happy, without all the craziness.

The kids and I started this thing a few years back were we go for a drive - the purpose was to look for American flags to take pictures of...

But then it turned into full blown adventure mode where we look for treasures - wild flowers, birds, animals, pine cones - really anything that symbolizes life.

It has become one if our favorite traditions - it has absolutely nothing to with the Fourth of July, but it breathes life into our hearts and souls.

We spend the whole day outside, playing with bubbles, swimming, and soaking up the sunshine.  We have all loved this pool so much, Nate did a fantastic job picking it out ;)

The time in the sun this summer has been so amazing - just what we all needed.

Watermelon breaks were welcomed.

 Followed by the traditional 4th of July foods...

  and dessert....

As usual Nate had to miss our on our festivities, thanks to work.  I have a love hate relationship with his job - I am so happy and blessed that he has a job that he loves and enjoys, but sometimes it gets so old when he misses out on everything or when we are never able to celebrate anything on the actual day.  For the most part we have become accustomed to it, but sometimes a little frustration creeps in...

The kids and I have been doing our best to make the best out of all our days - if we can celebrate a day before or a day later we tend to do it, but sometimes we can't so I have to learn to embrace it and make the most out of it for the kids, and with the kids.

We had a super fun day though.

Confession: we have never made it to an actual firework show because on a day like this day filled with constant sunshine my kids tend to pass out before the sun even thinks about setting - for now that is ok.  I will cherish it and hold onto it dearly.

Happy Fourth of July!