Freedom, Fireworks, and Fun

This Fourth of July we spent with my parents and brother, Justin. We had a great time swimming, eating, playing, laughing, and seeing fireworks. It can be so easy to take for granted how lucky we are to grow up in the "land of the free." So much was sacrificed for this freedom, and Ian is blessed to be able to grow up in a country where he can go wherever he wants and be whatever he wants to be. This year, I decided to keep Ian up to see the fireworks. Around 9 pm, when he is usually in bed, he started yelling, "Go home RIGHT NOW!!" The fireworks didn't start until 9:30, so I was torn as to whether to press on and watch the fireworks or go home. Nobody around us minded my unhappy toddler, and I knew that he would enjoy the fireworks once they started, so we persevered. As the fireworks began, he oohed and aahed over the "sparkly fireworks." After the show was over, in true 2 year old fashion, he demanded, "More fireworks!" and did not want to leave. Aahh...the joys of raising a 2 year old. :)

Splashing "Uncle Just"

Getting the feel of a golf course.

Running (how Ian gets just about everywhere he goes).

I love this picture. You can just see his little mind taking everything in, and he always takes advantage of putting his hands in his pockets.

Ian's first experience with fireworks. He only got to throw poppers this year...it may be a few years until he can have a hand at something more dangerous.