Independence Day

….John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

Adams’s prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.

As I was reading this, it’s almost as I have gone back in time and pictured all the celebrating that was happening and how different it was and what a truly wonderful day to celebrate.  I absolutely love this country and I thank God every day for blessing our family to come here.  It has been a home for the last 15 years and hopefully for at least the next 50 for all of us.  We definitely felt the celebration this year, in fact a day early, because our dog was pacing back and forth, not knowing where to escape from all the crazy noise outside, crazy fireworks I thought to myself, but then at the same time enjoyed watching a nice fireworks show across the street from our second story bedroom window:)
This was our first year celebrating the 4th of July in our own home.  Last year we got to get away to Donner Lake with my parents, we even brought Mr. Buddy with us, it was wonderful.  This year we all got together again with our new addition Miss Isabella Nellie, Oleg and Lilya 🙂  As many others, we have barbecued some burgers, had some fun snacks and of course a full table of dessert, I just had to post a picture, especially of my mom’s cake.  This cake has become a tradition, my mom has made it for the last four years and we all enjoy it very much, in fact, whatever we left for ourselves, disappeared  this morning, so the extra pounds are screaming and the heat is not letting me run 😉  Our precious daughter has made it even more memorable this year, she has set up all on her own and can do so for long periods of time, we are so proud and yet can’t believe how fast time flies, she will be 6 months in less than a week. We hope that all who are reading this had a wonderful and safe 4th of July!