The 4th

Our 4th was a quieter one this year.  I started out the morning with an INSANE workout, and Danny worked on projects around the house.  I feel compelled to add that the only reason Danny hasn't been doing INSANITY with me is because he hurt his back again.  Poor guy.  A bright note, however, is that this time we actually sent him to an orthopedic surgeon and he has an MRI today.  We're going to get this problem fixed.

At any rate, after the morning stuff was done, we spent some time just lying around trying to figure out what to do with the day.  Honestly, Danny and I were both feeling out of sorts, and for some reason a little sorry for ourselves.  I don't know why.  But when mid-afternoon hit and we were still sulking about, Claire and I decided to take matters into our own hands.  We left Daddy home to finish his homework (lame!), Johnny and Sophie to their naps, and went to the store to find SOMETHING to make the day feel special and fun.

We bought some food, cause that always makes you feel better.  Especially our good friends Ben & Jerry. :)  But the best of all was some supplies to make 4th of July Magic Wands!  There's a story behind this.  Last year we were in Utah for the 4th, and our girls went to a parade with Grandma and Papa Call.  At this parade, as a part of the favors, each girl ended up with a little plastic magic wand with a patriotic star on top.  The girls played with these all day...especially Claire.  We lit fireworks in the street that night, and the light and noise was too much for Claire.  In order to make her feel better, Papa told her that she could control the fireworks with her magic wand.  Claire felt much better after that!  So when we told her, a week or so ago, that we were going to go see some big fireworks, she insisted on a magic wand. :)

I procrasinated, so when we got to Wal-mart there was literally nothing left on the shelves that was red, white, or blue.  So, we improvised and bought some glittery pipe cleaners and dowels!  Once we got home, we got everyone together and made some magic wands.

The wands turned out really cute, and the girls couldn't wait to put them to good use.  But first, we had some Crab Salad and Hot Dogs for dinner.  Good old American fare.  Then, Daddy called an audible and took us to see a movie!  In the theater, even!  The girls loved "Cars 2"...well, Claire loved the movie.  Sophie and Johnny wouldn't stop moving, which got a little tiring.  But, I think they enjoyed the experience, nonetheless.

After the movie we headed to base to watch the fireworks.  After spending the day with just us, it was kind of nice to be around a bunch of people.  There's something about the Fourth of July that just demands lots of people, food, and red, white, and blue. :)  We rolled out our blanket on the grass and waited for the big show.  Sophie was giddy with anticipation...

Once we could tell they were just about ready to start, we had the girls practice with their magic wands.  So they'd be ready to control the fireworks. ;)

BUT...it was a false alarm.  We had a few more minutes to wait...

Finally, the show started!  Johnny was a little freaked out at first, but as long as I was holding him tightly, he quite enjoyed it.  Towards the end, he actually started rocking out to the music.  But mostly, he just looked on in wide-eyed wonder.

Claire enjoyed the fireworks all cuddled up with her Daddy.  And Sophie?  Well, someone had to control the fireworks!

She literally waved her wand for every single firework.  Which is not only cute, but incredible!  Sophie doesn't focus on one task for too long. :)  The firework show was really good, and it even had a couple of "grand finales" at the end.  At one point, I was sure they were done.  But no!  It was pretty cool.  And for me, it was humbling to be watching fireworks on a military base surrounded by men and women in fatigues.  I had to wonder how many had been deployed.  How much time they had spent away from the children they were holding in their arms as the sky lite up.  We are so grateful for the sacrifice of those good men and women, and the sacrifice of their families.  This is a great nation.  A nation under God.  We recognize the privilege it is to have been born here, and to raise our children here.  We are thankful for our freedoms!