Celebrating the 4th of July

A busy filled 4th of July with great fun, food and family. We went to Meredith and Corrine's house and with 6 of Meredith's sisters there and their families. These are all of my cousins...there were 7 from Uncle Bob's family ( Meredith, Daphne, Tammy, Tosha, Kendra, Kylene, Shanene), Wendee Graham from Aunt Beth's family, and then Elaine and me from Von's family. And then all our kids!!! It was crazy - we had our own little 4th of July parade through the neighborhood with bicycles, motorcycles, a horse, 4 wheelers, and even a cousin on stilts!!! There was the singing of patriotic songs done in about 6 part harmony that was better than I've heard sung in a long time. Then there was swimming and all the fun THAT brings with the diving and flipping contests, the 'chicken' fights, and tag before we moved on to an amount of food I only see at ward parties and dinners. Dang, do we know how to cook and throw a party!! Of course, we're all used to cooking for families of 8 or more, so all of our salads, side dishes and main course were enough to feed an army. Cake, brownies, ice cream , cookies and pop sickles were followed by games and fireworks - and then even a great movie called 'The Ultimate Gift' to wrap up the night. The kids loved the sparklers and firecrackers. A fun day.
I thank our Founding Father's for their courage and obedience in establishing our Constitution and liberties. I also apologize to them for the lack of faithfulness on our part now as a country, in making sure those sacrifices made in their day are still recognized and appreciated. Where as our Father's before us did all in their power to recognize God and His will, some now, do all they can to separate the very Being that made us who we are, and take God out of everything that makes us The United States of America.
I pray our Heavenly Father has mercy on us in these coming years.
God Bless America!