independence day, the calascione way

we had a fabulous day spent at my mom and dad's house with my family along with russell's parents too. the kids were surrounded by their favorite people in the whole wide world -- their grandparents! Dad cooked hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill and we enjoyed an All-American feast on a perfectly hot summer holiday. grandma and grandpa surprised the kids with a kiddy pool out back and it the kids had a blast playing in the water! (by the way, we are STILL waiting on pool #5 to arrive...that's another story)

the hosts:

sistas, playing legos, like old times:

my two beautiful moms: dad and russ playing a game of horseshoes:

dad's magical fireworks show!

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July 4th - the day our country became independent! John Adams wrote this to his wife about this historical date:

"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

Isn't that a beautiful quote? The Declaration was actually first signed on July 2nd, but it was debated by Congress and finally approved two days later. I also discovered that both signors of the Declaration, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, died, ironically, on July 4, 1831, which was our country's 50th anniversary!

Hope you all had a fun, safe and exciting 4th of July!

LET FREEDOM RING