Happy Fourth of July

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July.  We are truly blessed to live in this country and I enjoy celebrating the birthday of this nation.  This year we decided to go camping for the holiday.  The weather was wonderful, the scenery beautiful, and we had a great time.  Going up to the mountains is a great get away.

We really enjoy going to the lake, walking around the city, and getting some amazing ice cream.  On the fourth we went and played at the beach.  It was very busy at the beach and apparently many others had the same idea.  There were lots of activities and the kids were having a great time.  We had found a nice quite area where there weren't many people.  Unfortunately, there was a group of ladies that had decided to have a photo shoot.  These ladies in their red, white, and blue very tiny "swim suits" thought this same area that we were at would be perfect for their not so child friendly (or adult for that matter) photo shoot.  They were very proud of their outfits and used the flag they had with them for some very inappropriate photographs.  I personally felt it quite disrespectful to our nations flag and I was saddened to see the display they put on in front of my family.  We packed up and headed back to camp.

Our Fourth of July was still a great day.  We went back to camp, had naps, then a barbecue, followed by a trip back to the lake to watch the amazing firework display.  This has to be up there with one of the best firework displays I have seen.  They shot the fireworks off from a platform out in the lake and the fireworks felt like they were cascading around us.  The park had some patriotic music in the background and all felt well in the world.  I can't express how thankful I am to all who have served in our military and have fought for our freedoms.  Thank you, Lord, for blessing our nation and please keep your hand of protection over our country.  Psalms 33:12 says "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!" Dear God, please be the Lord of this nation. Here are a couple pictures, enjoy and God Bless America!
Alicia

We did our own fireworks before we went camping

first day at the beach

Ice Cream Ally definitely one of the kids favorite places

August enjoying some red (strawberries), white (the pancake), and blue
(blue berries) pancakes Fourth of July breakfast 

The sun setting over the lake, getting ready for the fireworks

our group ready for the show. Sorry, I was too busy enjoying the show,
I didn't get any pictures of the actual fireworks.