{Not one...}

So, if you've read my blog for the last year or so, or if you happen to know me in person, then you know that my very favorite holiday is the 4th of July. We have had some great traditions over the years, which have always included attending the fireworks at Southgate Mall. One of our more infamous traditions has been to get a kissing picture. Silly, I know, but that's the tradition. THIS year, however, I didn't take a single picture on the 4th of July. I have a couple of pictures from earlier in the week when we set off our fireworks, but NOT ONE of my kids, my husband, my Boy Scout assisting with the flag ceremony at the fireworks show, my girls enjoying time with their grandparents, and certainly not one of my husband and I kissing. Jon and I were manning the Boy Scout popcorn and hot dog stand, while the girls were sitting with their grandparents and Gabe was, well, doing Boy Scout things. It was a sad realization for me on July 5th. But life is about change, it's just that sometimes it's hard to embrace it.

A new tradition...

We began a new 4th of July tradition this year. We always go to Southgate Mall to watch the fireworks, and we have often purchased soft drinks, popcorn and cotton candy from the Boy Scouts. This year, since Gabe's Troop is the one that sells such wondrous items, we not only purchased them, but Jon and Gabe got to sell them! I think that this will probably become a new tradition for the Meek family.

Our celebration!!

Independence Day

Today is my favorite holiday. I'm pretty patriotic, so that really comes as no suprise. July 4th is usually spent enjoying my family and friends, and remembering those who have paid the price to enable me to live in such freedom. Even with all that is seemingly "wrong" with our country these days, it is still a land of enormous freedom, and a land of amazing possibility. So tonight, I will remember what has been paid in the price for freedom, and I will rejoice that I am able to take part in it.