happy birthday, America!

Celebrating the 4th of July was a big change for us this year.

We have always celebrated with family and have a big tradition of barbecuing and watching

my brothers big firework show that he puts on every year. 

Im a big time holiday person so I love being with family and having as much fun as possible.

This 4th we weren't even sure how the weather would be with Hurricane Arthur hitting the east coast.

The day before we had a lot of rainfall and thought the 4th would be nothing but wind and rain.

Thankfully we were effected my the hurricane and we had hot, humid weather like usual.

Chan had to work all day so Noah and I had a relaxing morning at home and then we

headed downtown, Raleigh to meet up with some friends and join in on the festivities.

^^^Those rosie cheeks! Noah mostly just ran around the city with his little friend. There was a lot of street performers, live music, food and shopping.

^^^ After falling in love with the sight of a BIG red firetruck, the firetruck driver walked over and asked if he wanted to drive it!.^^^

^^^ He may have been in a little bit of shock… But he talked about it nonstop for a couple of days.^^^

Later that night after coming home for a nap and waiting for Chan to get home from work, we got ready and headed back downtown for a big firework show. (no pictures included) 

Sunday evening we enjoyed a little firework show with friends.

I'm so thankful for this day we have to really reflect and pay tribute to all of those amazing Men and Women who sacrafice so much for our freedom.
I am proud of this beautiful country I live in
and I am proud to be an American!