Friends, Family, and Flags - Celebrating the Fourth!

We spent a long weekend at Lake Bruin for the Fourth, as we usually do every year. It's always a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of BR, and it gives me time to appreciate all the wonderful things in my life. Too often than not, I find myself forgetting the true meaning of holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and July 4th. Sure, we all need a "free day" every once in a while, but it's important to remember why we're celebrating. To me, July 4th serves not only as a reminder of all I have to be thankful for, but more importantly, a reminder that men and women across this country have sacrificed and are sacrificing their lives for me to be free. Many of us are so far removed from the current international happenings that we don't understand how lucky we are to be *free.* Freedom is something I so easily take for granted, but this weekend I tried to remind myself why we're BBQ'ing with family, popping fireworks on the pier, drinking beer and sleeping late...it's because we can. Because we're free. So, this is my little thanks to those before me, and those today, who serve our country and fight for my freedom.

A few highlights from our weekend:

I pledge allegiance, to the flag...

My Daddy, arguably the oldest, most talent slalomer on Lake Bruin!

Our first night "out", if you can really call it that!

Family picture before dinner at Jack and Qualeen's house.

And, even though Babycakes wasn't with us for the Fourth, Cody picked him up Sunday and we got to enjoy him for a few hours. He is a CHARACTER! Here's a picture of him riding the "horsie"...aka Dixie!