July 4th

For us life is all about enjoying the small moments and seizing every opportunity we can to have fun and experience no places and things. Over time July 4th has become the perfect opportunity to have fun, spend time with loved ones, and just enjoy summer. We have tried to make the most of every 4th, and over the years it has become one of our favorite holidays. 

Our first year we were living in Washington D.C. We decided to brave the crowds and spent all day down at the National Mall. We had a blast! The highlight was paddle boating on Jefferson Pond.

We rushed the Capitol Lawn to get the best seats in the house-the top step on the Capitol Stairs. We had an amazing view of the Mall and the fireworks.

 Our second year of marriage we were in the process of moving from Alabama to California. We were lucky enough to be able to stop and see family on the 4th. We had a BBQ and did some hiking. We love any chance that we get to be around family.

 Our third year we spend the evening with friends having a great BBQ and setting off fireworks. I will always remember this year because it snowed/hailed while we were doing fireworks. Our friend got in his car, lit the firework, and then throw it from the window. Definitely, not the smartest idea,but it is a firework show I will never forget.

 Our fourth year we spent at a family reunion for John's family at his uncle's lake house. Caleb loved the carousel, and playing with all the toys. It was great to see John's grandma who is well into her 80s. 

 Our fifth year we were in California for John's work. We went to a small beach town along the coastal highway. We had amazing BBQ brisket sandwiches that they topped with avocado and french fries (amazing combo!) and watched fireworks on the beach. 

 John was in a very kind mood and bought one of those glowing swords-it was broken by the time the fireworks started.

Our 6th year we spent in Whitefish, a little town outside of Glacier National Park. We played in the sand and enjoyed fresh mountain air and a slice of huckleberry pie. Montana doesn't get dark until very late in the summer so the fireworks didn't start till almost 11, Caleb slept through the whole thing. 

 This year we spent the 4th in Austin. We went to the parade, went swimming, and watched the POPS Concert and fireworks. We loved exploring Austin, and would love to live there one day.