land of the FREE because of the BRAVE

This year my 4th of July has been a little different. The biggest change is that Travis wasn't here to spend it with us. Another change is that usually my family heads to Mazama, WA to our cabin for the weekend of the 4th. This year we decided to stick around the Tri-Cities instead. I think the biggest change is that I am no longer just a wife and mother...but I am an Airman's Wife. It sounds strange to say, but it does give you a new feeling of pride and appreciation for what this holiday is all about.

These pictures are from the 3rd of July. We headed over to spend the day with family friends who are more like family than just friends. Scott and Becky's is always a blast!

parks & mommy in the car on the way to scott & becky's house

lauren playing with drayson & parker...mostly trying no to get hit with a raquet!

playing in scott's boat

matt & parks playing soccer...with a volleyball

lighting sparklers with a blowtorch...is there any other way?

loving the sparklers

once the loud fireworks started parks was ready to head inside

watching from the window with papa


For the actual 4th of July we went to my Aunt Lauri & Uncle Carl's house in West Richland. The night was filled with great food and loads of family. Parker had a blast. From their back porch we had a panoramic view of fireworks from all over the Tri-Cities. It was an awesome view and Parker loved the fireworks this time...probably because they were far away and not quite so loud. He kept tapping me, saying "mama" and pointing to where the fireworks were. He said "boom" just about every 2 minutes for the rest of the night until we went home!

On a sad note...there was no phone call from Travis this Sunday. What a bummer! I'm sure they probably had a bunch of ceremonies going on at the Base and there wasn't any time left over to call home. Hopefully we will get an update from him soon and I will let everyone know how he is doing. I got a letter from him the other day that he said he wrote in the dorms with a flashlight. He said that he is having fun and learning a lot. Thanks to everyone for all the prayers...keep 'em coming!