mesmerized by fireworks, captivated by the revolutionary war and unbelievably grateful to be free!

ah, revolutionary patriots, thank you. french army and navy, thank you. writers of the Declaration of Independence, thank you. authors of the Constitution of the United States of America, thank you. it's Independence Day, THANK YOU TO ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE FOUGHT AND CONTINUE TO FIGHT AND STAND FOR OUR FREEDOMS.

last night, as planned, we were able to watch the fireworks from the apartment, representing the battles for our independence (i explained to my students the other day why we have fireworks and the symbolism). i am still amazed by whomever came up with fireworks and improved them to do the things they do. (you know i am about to go do a google search on it)...

sorry, for those of you who were there, you saw it, but i love watching fireworks! i was very disappointed with the music they chose to go along with the show. i am highly preferential to an all-patriotic music selection, that's just the way i am...katy perry's firework seems like it would be a likely tune, but it has nothing to do with Independence Day, now does it? anyhoo. i prefer K2's show. missing kanakuk around this holiday!

i did sit mesmerized though. i love watching almost as much as i love watching flames and embers in a fire. i find fire fascinating. the other day when i lit the grill, i was so taken in to the flame that i thought, if the flames had caught and started burning something on the balcony, i don't know if i would've had the fight/flight/or sit and admire reaction...i think i might have sat like a fool watching the flames bob and weave...fascinating! (but you know i'm joking, i'm not like a pyro or something, i just think it's beautiful-in small quantities).

 as i re-watch the revolution series on the history channel, i think i would like to read more books on benjamin franklin and george washington.

we recorded much of the series, and went out for a walk while it was still in the early 80's. i decided to drive the boys down to the vitruvian park, and after walking that one, we drove down toward beltway and into a little park area there, where there was a mini community parade going on-that's the area with the hidden pond/park.on our way around, there was an older guy in a wheelchair type thing..not a hover around, but anyway, he like the boys, and he was wearing an airforce hat, so i shook his hand and said thank you. i'm glad we got to meet him.

while we were at the vitruvian park, the sprinklers were going and we got past the first set by our parking area, but the boys of course had to play in the puddles! then as we went around, we stopped in every little branch off. it was cool enough to play. then boys loved the wet grass and bruno was rolling around in it (which got him all tangled in his leash. i told him he was going to strangle himself if he didn't stop, he said he didn't care-as he strangled himself, and then choked out, "ok, you're right mama, a little help?").

somebody-bruno, loves playing in wet grass!

this was our hidden pond trail-it always seems to have a great little breeze! and the boys did really well, even with all of the other dogs out there!

so as a reward, i took them to dq and got myself a blizzard. smile.

i've been craving one, and it was small, and it is a special occasion!

today i am also planning on baking (for the first time) paleo bread...we'll see how it turns out! coconut flour and gluten free flour (i couldn't find almond flour at tom thumb-although they are supposed to have a shipment by friday, but i want to make my bread today)... 

it turned out ok...it's not terrible! it was still a little doughy in the middle even after i put it in for an additional 20 min...so i guess i will have to cut slices and microwave them before eating..? working with new flour can be daunting. who cares!

and the boys were willing to sit still for yet one more patriotic photo. good sports!

they just told me they were really happy to be born in the usa, and then started singing some bruce springsteen song...

 what a relaxing day-back to school tomorrow-weird that it will be thursday! but i'm not sad about it!

happy 4th!
julie