Happy Birthday, America!

In just a few minutes, it will be the fourth of July! I know I have said this before, but I am so much prouder to live in America after spending so much time away from my homeland this year. We are so blessed to live in such a great country. God bless America!

Tonight we went to see our favorite local firework show with good friends. We thought it was Halle Grace's first time to see fireworks, but she said she remembers seeing them out the window of her orphanage one time. Fireworks are pretty common in Ukraine, so I'm not that surprised. However, I'm sure they were nothing like what we saw tonight. Southlake really knows how to put on a show!

By the way, our friends happen to be friends with one of the Dallas Cowboys and his wife. They ended up joining us tonight! To respect their privacy, I won't name names, but I will say that Grant was THRILLED. I am sure that he will remember for the rest of his life the 4th of July he got to spend with a Dallas Cowboy! For this soon-to-be 8-year-old, it doesn't get any better. "Mr Cowboy" had lots of little fans come by for autographs throughout the night, and Grant (with his friend Caden) enjoyed organizing the fans. They would tell Mr. Cowboy, "you have 2 more fans heading this way". So cute! When it was time to head home, walking to the car, Grant said, "I can't believe I got to meet "Mr Cowboy" just 3 days before my birthday! It's just the greatest ever!" (Have I mentioned that we are taking 5 little boys to tour Texas Stadium for his 8th birthday party on Sunday?).
Anyway, Mr. Cowboy and his wife were a really sweet couple and we enjoyed getting to know them. Scott didn't exactly hate getting to talk a little football with him either. HeHe. :)

Our little Ukrainian-American had a great time tonight! Everything is still so new to her, and life is just a big adventure. She was mesmerized by the fireworks, and had so much fun playing with all the kids, especially her friend Adi.

Garrett, in true Garrett fashion, wandered off a little at one point. I looked up and saw this giant "Uncle Sam" on stilts CARRYING Garrett! He was trying to find who he belonged to, and said to me, "Hey, watch your kid, lady!". It was so funny! (Don't worry, he hadn't wondered more than a few yards away). I think it was the highlight of Garrett's night! Also in true Garrett fashion, at one point all the kids were playing together, but Garrett was off by himself building a little house out of sticks. He is really something else. I can not WAIT to see what that kid will be when he grows up!

Tomorrow, we're headed to my parents' house for our annual 4th cookout/swim party. I am bringing 3 dishes from Pioneer Woman Cooks. Fresh Corn Casserole, Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad, and Flag Cake. I just couldn't help myself after seeing them on her blog. Mmmmmm.

Here are some pictures of our fun night. As usual. Grant didn't stand still long enough, so their aren't many pictures of him. :(

Happy 4th and God bless!




By the way, doesn't Halle Grace look precious in the new outfit Stephanie sent? Thanks, sweet friend!