4th of July Celebrations

I know, I know it's been almost a whole month but it took me so long
to finally get the pictures uploaded. Anyway, we had a fun 4th of July.
We went to the Hunts' home for the afternoon. We were able to spend
time with friends and enjoy the weather. It was very pleasant, especially
compared to last year with temperatures warm but not overbearing and
clouds in the sky but a beautiful sunny day.
In the evening we went to another friend's home and first spent time in God's
Word then played games. After that Annah and I rode with some friends
to the fairgrounds to see the fireworks. Mom and Dad went home because
they were tired. It's been a long time since we've gone to a fireworks show
because we can see the ones they shoot at the fairgrounds from our backyard!
That's right. We have a nice view every 4th of July but this time we got to see them
up close. We played Freeze tag out in the field which was a lot of fun. I didn't
get photos of the grand Finale firecrackers because right when they did it, the
camera was almost dead and we were putting new batteries in it. Oh well.

A cake I made

I wanted to put a heartfelt message on the cake, so here's the text.

James and friends on the trampoline

Whoo!

Annah and Rachel were tossing the ball back and forth to the kids on the trampoline.

Daniel and Josiah playing Crochet

Megan and Serenity playing Washers

Rachel and James

Girls having fun

Daniel

Collyn and Baby Prudence

Ryan

Answering trivia questions

Some of the prizes were fireworks and sparklers.

Lots of the young boys who answered questions correctly kept collecting fireworks.

Time to set off some firecrackers!

April and Prudence

Yea! Volleyball! Annah and I were able to briefly get in the game before we left.

Daniel and Abraham

At the other friends' home. Mr. Rothermich leading our tie in God's Word. 

 

 

 

Rachel with her sparkler at the fairgrounds

 

 

Serenity

Playing Freeze Tag

The fireworks were neat and beautiful.

Sorry I misplaced this picture.

They look like stars in the sky.

The golden ones looked like shimmering glitter.

I'm very thankful and happy to live in the United States of America. I'm not ashamed

of it. I'm thankful for the freedom we have here. Liberty is too precious to be

taken for granted and I want live everyday the best I can using my freedom in the

fear of the Lord. I want to remember it's HE who's given us this wonderful

freedom and I want to show Him I appreciate it. But I'm even more grateful 

and thankful for God's free gift of salvation. I'm so glad that Jesus freely and

willingly gave His life to save us, even when He knew all the torture and loneliness

it would cost Him. He did it out of love and obedience to His Father, the Lord of

the whole universe and out of love and compassion for us helpless sinners. I'm

thankful that Jesus lives in my heart and I want to live every day the best I can 

reflecting Him. I know I'm going to fail sometimes and that sometimes He will 

have to firmly chastise my heart, but I know He loves me and I want to return

that love and demonstrate it to others. I am not shamed to be called a citizen 

of the United States of America, but even more so I am NOT ashamed to 

be called a Christian believer and follower of Jesus Christ!

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was 

bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our 

peace was upon Him, and by his stripes we 

are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned, every one, to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity 

of us all." Isaiah 53: 5,6