Our 4th of July celebration was a bit low key this year, but we sure did celebrate!

John had to work for most of the day, so the kiddlets and I enjoyed a quite day at home – PB&J for lunch and some wading pool fun! Olivia played in the pool for the first time ever and really enjoyed herself :)

After late naps {to ensure cheerfulness for a late night of fireworks!}, the kids and I met John at his parents’ home where we spent the rest of the evening. We had some delicious BBQ and a full spread of summer foods – even star topped deviled eggs! Olivia was worn out by all the fun and put herself down for a pre-fireworks nap :)

Ian got to experience his first sparkler {he LOVED it!} and Emma Grace kept asking when it would be dark, and at one point even asked if I could “set the timer for it to be fireworks” – darling girl! It’s so hard to wait when you’re 4 {or 27 :)}.

The fireworks were well worth the wait – in Indiana you are allowed to shoot off some really fun ones! Emma Grace and Ian were excited to wear some ear protection {Em: “mine are pink!”} and we sat around a bon fire as my brother-in-laws masterminded the show.

All in all, it was a quiet, relaxing day. I thought a bit about freedom – how it is so easy to allow it to be eroded until the the very word is only a hollow husk, and how both as a nation, as individuals we must be vigilant. And how I am extremely grateful for those who have sacrificed for my freedom, for the One who died for me to be forever free.

How about you? Did you have a chance to celebrate this weekend?