Independence Day

Our Fourth of July...

We spent the eve of Independence Day partying with cousin Stephanie and her new fiance, Chris, while Grammy babysat. They spent the night at our home.

Here we are at Howl At the Moon in Kansas City's thrilling Power and Light District. Arrrrrooooooooooo!!! WILD TIMES!

Announcing the engagement.

We spent July 4 morning at Heartland Church, and on our way to Topeka (through Lawrence), brought the kids to see the church in which we were married, Corpus Christi. Mass had just let out.

Gryffy doesn't sit still for pictures.

Pew partners.

Gryffy thought the baptismal was the hot tub at the gym.

Lorelei sat down, pulled out the missal, and began singing--it was cute! She must have recognized the music notes from our piano and from violin lessons.

On our way to the family reunion in Topeka, we stopped by the house where my dad, Grandpa John, grew up.  The home sits directly across the street from the governor's mansion on a large property dotted with plants and flowers. I can still picture Grandma Helen taking me through Grandpa Buster's garden.

At the shelter house at Crestview Park.

I put an extra flourish in Lorelei's hair for the Fourth. Today we nicknamed our little starlet "Sparkles."

Our family matriarchs, Grammy Marilyn and her sister, Auntie Jean.

Gryffindor and Grammy--he was all smiles for the camera today!

Lady LaLa in the fashion show of old family clothes and bridesmaid dresses.

Look at those fabulous Luksa cousins, Lorelei and Lindsy.

Gryffy and Daddy--look at all those curls!

Merry-Go-Round Madness!

We hit Party on the Hill in Overland Park for fireworks this year and the kids saw a helicopter! They were so excited, which was a good thing... the fireworks weren't exactly a blast. It was storming, so there were lots of squibs. Still, we were happy they began the lights an hour early, and the kids loved the rain! When we got home, to make up for the spotty performance, we put on the Boston Pops and sang and danced to the music. I also set fire to a piece of raisin toast in the kitchen--our own special effects!

Overall, I feel very grateful for the freedoms we enjoy in America, and want to instill this gratitude in the hearts of my kids. God bless America, the country my ancestors entered on the Mayflower, fought for in the Revolution, and have risked their lives to preserve to our generation. Land of the free. Home of the brave.