America 250

This is America's 250th year of existence. I was excited and wondered how we could celebrate in a memorable way. First idea we made flag shirts a few days a head. I was very happy with how they turned out. The kids enjoyed the project. 

A neighbor had asked for help stacking her wood for the winter. Our church had suggested we give 250,000 hours of service collectively. This was a great fit. So on July 3 we stacked wood for a few hours. This was a perfect way to come together with cousins. We really appreciated the kindness of this family, they aren't prone to yelling at each other or habitually saying hurry up or now. They are quick to be positive and know how to work. This was a good combination. 

6 cords of wood stacked and cleaned up in about 3 hours. 

Some sat and visited because that is important too. 

Almost done. 

The lady we served was in tears at how fast the job was completed. We truly enjoyed this time working together. It's hard to find common ground with people from very different backgrounds and distance. However work is a great equalizer and shows how we need each other and can work together. This was uniquely unifying project.

Later that day these ladies were made-up by an older cousin. She did make-up and hair for the girls to go work at the rodeo selling sno-cones and cotton candy. 

The next morning we were up bright and early to participate in the fun run cross country fundraiser.

Millie and friend Avery ran the 5k. They smashed their time from last year by a full ten minutes. 

The parade later was full of community, candy, and kids. 

After we had a BBQ and water fight at our house. 

Merle fell and got a small cut. Joey had a band-aid ready to help Merle feel better. Joey always impresses me with his ability to take care of the kids. 

My dad shared some thoughts on how we came to this point and how the articles of faith support the one that says we honor and sustain the laws of the land. He always does a good job sharing his testimony and linking the past to the present and future generations. It is said that children that know their history have a stronger sense of self. I believe sharing stories of our ancestors and heritage help anchor our families in the communities we are part of. This country was built by families and people seeking better for their future families. We continue in that same tradition working our way through Heavenly Father's plan for his children to come to families to learn and grow to create our own families and continue learning and growing. Hopefully choosing him and desiring to return to Him everyone. 

 

We then went around the group naming why we are thankful to be Americans. It was a nice evening and hopefully a memorable celebration. 

We finished the day with fireworks and sleep, thankful for our country, our family, and our freedom to live.