HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

How many of you know the reason we celebrate the 4th of July? I asked my 8 year old nephew today & he said, "Fireworks". Good one, Drew. :) The holiday celebrates America's adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. On this day, colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. I think many people forget the real meaning of the holiday & its importance in our history. It's much more than BBQs, parades, & a day off from work.

Today I took Aidan & Emmie to the parade with my sister & 2 nephews. It's become tradition for the Lautenschlager's to go to a parade for every holiday. :) We had a good time. The kids waved their flags & Aidan was mesmerized by the firetrucks & police cars. As always, I stood with pride. I am proud of my husband for his service to our country. I am also proud of my grandfathers & their service. I am proud of all of the men & women that have served & are currently serving our country. I am proud of this great country we live in. I am proud to be an American!!

Today is also our Anniversary. 6 years & still going strong!! I always say that Eric & I have lived through more in 6 years than most people have during their entire marriage. During these 6 years, I have spent more than 2 years without my husband (counting deployments & military duty time). On this day it is especially hard for me. It's hard to be alone. I talked to Eric earlier today. It was so good to hear his voice. It's been 2 weeks since I've talked to him. We are all getting anxious for him to come home for his 2 week leave at the beginning of August. As we get closer to the date, I start to feel like a girl in high school waiting to go on a date with her boyfriend. :)

July 4 is a special day for our family. Of course, it is special to us because we are a military family & we honor our country. It's also the day that we celebrate our marriage & the beginning of our little family. I miss Eric & I am feeling a little sad, but it's OK. We are still husband & wife & a family. I am so proud of us & our family.

HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!