Happy Birthday America!

Having been back in the U.S. of A only 2 days, and still feeling somewhat like we're just on vacation here, we were nevertheless happy to be back in time to celebrate the 4th for the first time since Lydia was only 6 months old. We had a really nice day, taking in a parade, grilling with friends and then another picnic with our neighbors. We opted out of fireworks due to bedtimes and jetlag recovering kids. It's a good thing since it's pouring down rain right now as I listen to the blasts in the nighttime sky.

The parade was basically a mixed bag of politicians in fancy cars, fire trucks and marching bands but the kids were impressed just the same. Parades seemed so much more lighthearted and fun in my good ol' childhood days. But smalltown Iowa parades, as opposed to the Maryland variety, DO have tractors, crazy guys in go-carts, clowns and far fewer politicians... and that makes all the difference in the world.

Brandon and I aren't sure how we feel. On one hand, completely at-home and at the same time strangely out-of-place. Maybe that feeling is magnified by the fact that we are still somewhat in life-out-of-suitcase mode. Who knows. But it sure is a strange feeling to wrestle with. But without a doubt, it's nice to be here to celebrate your birthday, America. And to our fellow Americans on this side of the Atlantic or the other... Happy 4th of July!!!


She's a grand ol' flag.




Marcus, if you're going to live in America, we'll need to work on your flag etiquette. Rule #1: The American flag is not to be eaten.