4th of July - Seaside, OR

Our Oregon vacation happened to fall over the 4th of July, my very favorite holiday.   We wanted to see the fireworks over the ocean and we picked Seaside as our perfect spot.  We were astounded at the sheer number of spectators!  There were campfires and fireworks being set off everywhere before the scheduled show began.  It was quite an experience...and honestly had a slight resemblance to a war zone.  What a beautiful country we live in...and what a delight to celebrate from sea to shining sea.

one end of this continent to the other...

This year our fireworks were experienced low to the ground.  We spent the 4th of July weekend at Bear Lake.  Although the fireworks were a bit less dramatic, the get away was just what we all needed.  We were there relaxing and celebrating with the Passey family.  Kelly recommended we see- Bandito Rides Again!  Although an unconventional activity for the 4th...it was hilariously funny!  We all (including the kids) LOVED it!  Sitting in the theater...filled with spectators wearing red.white.blue...it felt just right.

We love our country and were grateful to be part, in our own way, of a celebration that spans from "one end of this continent to the other."  Before we settled in, to rest for the night...we filled the backyard with our own illuminations---so grateful for the land on which we live.

Happy birthday America!

The Fourth of July weekend is my favorite holiday!!!

There is such a wonderful gathering of celebration~

friends, family, warm weather, good food, swimming and FIREWORKS!

Our weekend began with swimming with friends all day Friday!

We cleaned up just in time for a date night at the hospital with dear friends
the Williams and Theobalds.

(They are AMAZING by the way!)

Saturday morning I went up the canyon and assisted my sister in law on a photo shoot.

She is wonderful...and so are her friends.  

As I walked down the path back to my car I could hardly believe what a beautiful world this is--

and that my home is so close to such physical majesty.

Back to the pool for swimming, tennis & pizza for the afternoon.

A bbq at our house with friends and family.

Fireworks seen from a cozy deck with dear friends and family~

while kids ran and played below. 
(Thank you Mandy!)

Sunday we were privileged to learn more about our country, 

it's military and our freedoms from a wonderful captain in the Air Force.  

I was humbled with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.

We had a quiet day at home...with a nice evening walk.

Monday began with an early morning breakfast.

We enjoyed especially singing God Bless America & America the Beautiful with a trumpet solo.  

The boyscout color guard and flag raising, 

with hands on our hearts, was a special reminder of the importance of our nations flag.

The girls loved the children's bike parade (bike's adorned with decorations).  

Friends and family over for games and play right after....

and then movies on my bed (how did I catch a cold in JULY!?)

As the girls finished music practice and baths we heard fireworks!

We stepped out onto the deck in our pjs and I grabbed my camera.

(I don't think I will ever take firework pictures without my lensbaby again!)

I am so grateful for....

wonderful friends and family

the freedoms we enjoy in our country

men, women and families who sacrifice so much to protect those freedoms

the beauty all around us

the communities all over this country that gather and celebrate together~

Happy birthday America!

Independence Day!!!!!!!!

The land of the free...

(happy and tired)

we are so blessed...

and grateful.

Happy 4th of July!!!!!!!!!