The Fourth of July

Holidays are always a little bit harder when a loved one is away.  We usually don't do anything special for the day but Mara and I did miss that family time with Josh this year.

On Friday Mara decided we should get up a little earlier to celebrate the nation's birthday :) (My 8:30 am wake up call has slowly gotten earlier and earlier as of late. Little girl don't you know your mama isn't a morning person!)  We had a slow morning of the usual playing and morning chores.  Mara got decked out in her festive attire and we got to connect with Josh in Afghanistan.  

That evening we were supposed to head to a friend from church's house but a lack of morning naps and cranky baby kept us at home.  When we were finally well rested we grabbed a quick dinner then headed down the block.

I don't know if I've mentioned this before but our neighborhood here in Fayetteville is amazing.  They love to get together and are seriously the most giving people.  We love it.

But back on topic....The neighborhood was getting together for the annual Fourth of July block party.  Everyone brought a dish, gathered in someone's driveway and had a great time.  We have such a great mix of military and non military and everyone is so supportive when it comes to deployment.

After mingling for awhile everyone was headed down the street for some fireworks.  Mara was done for the day so we headed home instead where she went to bed and I enjoyed the fireworks from the comforts of our living room.

Overall it was a good day.  We got to talk to Josh and enjoyed getting out of the house for a bit.  The day also gave me a different perspective on the holiday as a whole.  We remember the troops on Memorial day and veteran's day but I've never thought of them on the fourth.  WHY NOT?!  We are thankful that Josh and other service members are sacrificing being away from their loved ones this holiday so we can celebrate here in the states.