Our 4th of July started off with a yummy breakfast down at my mom and dad's. Kelli, Kevin, Rylie, and Kenzie were all able to come this year as well as Jana and Amanda Jean and Curtis. The kids loved playing with the puppies while we waited for the food. After we ate and the kids played for a bit, the Payne's and Curtis headed down to the lake and Jana and Amanda went with us to the Paris Parade. It was a longer one than usual and the kids loved it because they got a lot of candy. I love that my children know what to do when they see a flag coming even if the adults around them aren't setting the proper example. Brandt, Kylie, and Amanda had fun playing on the school playground after the parade. Later that afternoon my little family headed over to Georgetown to have dinner with all of Bryce's family, including his Grandma Hemmert and Dan, Linda, and Justin. Then came my favorite part of the whole day...
Brandt has been terrified of fireworks since the day he was born. Last year he got close to watching them from the inside of a car with ear muffs on to help block the sound. Earlier this week Shaun worked with him on his firework phobia in their counseling session, and the results were miraculous!! Brandt LOVED the fireworks! He kept giggling and hollering, "I love fireworks!" Because he was having so much fun and being so over-stimulated, he got pretty wild and was laughing and running all over, but that didn't matter to me because it was such a huge accomplishment for him to overcome his fear and I loved watching him enjoying himself like all the other kids. What a great day to think about how blessed I am to live in a country and in a time when my children have so many opportunities. Despite the dangers that lurk around every corner in this life, I know my family is protected and guided as we follow the teachings of God and continually rely on our faith in Him.
