Happy Birthday, America!

Happy Birthday, America!

When we started this blog, we wanted to share our journey with others, because despite its challenges, we think it's a pretty great ride!

On Saturday, the three of us shared an awesome day celebrating the 4th of July together. From start to finish, it was a spectacular way to say, "Happy Birthday, America."

Happy Birthday, America!

Unlike lots of people, Kyle and I didn't get the day off from work, as there were 4th of July events that needed to be covered. But we've learned along the way, just to make the most of our opportunities and enjoy the time that we have together. We have some really unique date nights over the years covering things for the paper.  At one of our last ones, Kyle even went to a Litchfield School Board meeting with me!

So, bright and early Saturday morning, Kyle got up to help with the annual biathlon for the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, and cover it for the paper while he was there. Grace and I opted for sleeping in!

But we were up and dressed when he got home, ready for our next adventure together, the inaugural cardboard boat regatta. This one was my assignment, and we had a good time at the beach too.  As I watched other kids playing in the sand on the beach, I worried that Grace wouldn't have any fun just sitting in her stroller. But Kyle was holding her, and he said she loved watching all the people and talking with everyone. Sometimes I need to remember that even if things don't go the way I plan them, they still go great!

After the very successful cardboard boat regatta, it was home for some lunch and a nap. We got all rested up to go back out to the lake for the evening music and fireworks. It was also the culmination of the Queens on a Mission for Grace raffle, and Grace got to draw the winning tickets. 

Grace got to draw the winning raffle tickets!

Those five beautiful queens raised over $2,000 selling raffle tickets for an American Girl doll, St. Louis Cardinals tickets, and some gift cards. As we walked up to their booth, all the girls were so excited to see Grace. One of them pulled me aside and said that anytime someone gave them money but didn't put their name on a ticket, they wrote Grace's name on it. I think all the girls really hoped that Grace would win the American Girl doll, and it just worked out that way. We are so blessed to have such a generous and caring community.

And she even won the American Girl doll, Grace! These queens are awesome!

After our official duties were done, we enjoyed some dinner, delicious shish-ka-bobs as a fundraiser for the Balin Robbins foundation, and sat back to enjoy the musical stylings of the Funky Butt Brass Band. Grace and I even got to share a dance to "Devil Went Down to Georgia," and we both loved every minute.

Sharing smiles while we dance.

Before heading home, we snuggled up under a blanket to watch the awesome fireworks display, and I think Grace really enjoyed watching the bright colors.

Snuggling and watching fireworks.

As we headed for home, we talked about what a great celebration it had been of freedom, fun and most importantly, family.

MLH