Then Sings My Soul: Happy Independence Day!

Happy Birthday America!

Maybe because I'm an immigrant and don't take it for granted for a minute, or just because I'm feeling sentimental today, but I love this country and cried straight through our very patriotic church service this morning. After the service, they had a patriotic sing-a-long with songs like Grand Ol' Flag, most of which Sophia knew better than I did (thanks school!) Then we had a big barbecue and picnic on the church grounds, which was fifty shades of wonderful - all those sweet kiddos running around in their red white and blue!! I should have pictures, but I don't - I was too busy visiting with friends and semi-supervising my children. And eating hamburgers and potato chips and cole slaw and watermelon!

Tonight, we wandered down to the river and waited for it to get dark. Being outside at dusk is so magical, and normally we are all wrapped up in eating dinner and having baths and reading stories and getting snuggled up in pajamas to notice - so it's a rare treat to be outside when everything turns a lovely shade of blue. And that first wishing star appears. And everything just glows.

Sophia and I are reading the Little House on the Prairie books (and her Daddy is an archeologist - the same one who made them walk up the Indian mounds in the rain) so we had to stop at the Historic Arkansas Museum to see a real, old log cabin.

We wandered, sat on fountains, waved pinwheels.

Henry was there with his fat little feet.

Amelia took a brief nap on the pavement (don't be mad at me - we were in a safe little spot, away from the hustle and bustle with a great view, and she did have a folded up dress under her head for a cushion!)

I was there too, with Sophia who was silly with anticipation.

And then when dark came, and the Arkansas Symphony played at the outdoor amphitheater below us - fireworks!

One of those many experiences that had lost some of its magic over the years... until I got the joy of experiencing it with my children. It was all ooh's and aah's and pure delight, and I couldn't help but be completely wowed by the experience, as if they were MY first fireworks!