O'er the Land of the Free... and the Home of the Brave!

We had a great 4th of July with our little E-bean.... another stupid nickname with no known origin.... Jason stayed up super late Wednesday night trying to find something family friendly and fun for us to venture into on Friday. We ended up going to Washington-on-the-Brazos for the day, and it was so much fun! There were food vendors, historic farm tours, free Blue Bell ice cream and popsicles, a great Texas museum, music, and lots and lots of families. Ella was a doll, and handled a whole day of adventure really well. She fell asleep before the show began, but we woke her up just in time to see her first fireworks display, and she sat and watched wide-eyed the whole time. It was just precious! She truly seemed amused to see the sky light up with all the bright colors... she MUST be my child! I have always LOVED fireworks... I'm like a giddy little kid on the 4th of July. It's probably one of my favorite holidays simply based on the 15 minutes of fireworks that happen every year. I absolutely cannot be somewhere on the 4th where fireworks are not present... and I'm not talking about the dinky fireworks you buy on the side of the road. I want the bursting, noisy, bright, awe-inspiring waterfall kind that make you want to listen to patriotic music and sing the Star-Spangled Banner! I simply can't get enough! Already looking forward to next year.........

First experience with a Popsicle. She pitched a fit when I took it away!

P.S. The 4th always makes that lump in my throat well up in gratefulness for our freedom, but this year was especially sensitive for me, as my little brother is currently serving in Iraq. He's been gone since April, and will be there until next July. This is his second tour... he was supposed to be OUT of the Army in March of this year. But, since his unit was deploying in April, the Army stop-lossed him and wouldn't let him out in March. Instead, he was required to stay an extra FIFTEEN months to serve another tour in Iraq. I'm not bitter...... *said with a sickeningly thick drip of sarcasm*. He was married last October, and he and Crystal are expecting their first baby, a little girl, this October. Thanks, Ev, for all that you do. I do not know how to tell you enough how much we love you! Please keep them in your prayers!

Evan and Crystal at Christmas

Evan and Ella in March