Independence Day

We have been enjoying a 4-day weekend together... this is the first holiday in a few years (I'm pretty sure) that Josh wasn't at work and we were able to spend it together! This was Eden's last "first" holiday (sad face)-- where does the time go?!
The fact that she will be turning one next month is just blowing my mind.

We had a wonderful Independence Day that included lots of good food, a BBQ with friends, waiting forever for fireworks (apparently a man had a heart-attack at the casino where they were launching the fireworks and so we got a really short show of only 5 minutes-- but that is totally okay because apparently the guy survived and is okay & that is all that matters!), lots of screaming kids, Eegees shaved ice, patriotic matching outfits (we're cheesy like that) and good times with sweet friends. Wish we could have been with family, too, but fortunately we have some upcoming holidays to look forward to spending with them!


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I also wanted to say thank you to those of you who serve in the military or who are military wives. The above photo (not taken by me, credit below) of Fort Rosecrans in my hometown of San Diego, CA, brought tears to my eyes when I saw it the other day. Growing up in a huge military city, we were surrounded by a lot of wonderful military families and they each hold a special place in my heart. After going 8 weeks with Josh gone for work training, I got a (very small) glimpse of what life is like as a single mom (kudos to you girls, too!) while my husband was away. I can't even imagine going through that for any longer, let alone a full year or two. One of my sweet friends from church was pregnant while her husband was deployed to Afghanistan, delivered their sweet daughter all alone and took care of her during the hardest first couple of months until he arrived home safely when their daughter, Lyla, was 5 months old. If that is not true dedication to our country, I don't know what is. Thank you again, to each of you, who protect our freedom.

How was your 4th of July?!