Happy 250th America

 We are not a perfect nation but we are a nation of freedoms and that it worth celebrating.  Freedom comes with a price and I am grateful for those men and women who serve or whom have served to give this liberty to us. Our family met Chris's family in DC for the 4th, along with hundreds of thousands of other people for a non-political celebration of our country and military branches.  It was crazy. On the 4th, we made it through security and were seated on the front of the non-reserved bleachers watching the flyovers (which had been going on all day to enjoy) when were told to evacuate for severe weather.  We grabbed a quick dinner but remained nearby to try to get back in in the event it re-opened but were unsuccessful when it re-opened after waiting for an hour.  However, we were still able to sit outside and hear things, and watch the fireworks. Members of the military provided the music, veterans were honored, and the military honored before the fireworks. While there were frustrations: the crowd (hundreds of thousands so the line was long and tight), heat, and being able to get back in, it was an event to remember. While the fly-overs and fireworks were spectacular, my best memories (aside from my family) will be seeing the good in humanity: passing our water in the heat, sharing fans, and after the evacuation, walking down the street and and seeing/hearing a large group (guessing 100ish) break out in "God Bless America" with many others joining in. God Bless America, land that I love. Thank you for the freedoms we enjoy and the beauty of this world. 

Girls drove to Knoxville a couple days before and hung out

The Washington Monument was lit up each night with a short show, showcasing parts of our history. 

No words.....

Arlington Cemetery headed to the tomb of the unknown

Aubree and Callie

The girls got up early on the morning of the 4th to participate in the Relay for America (the flag was ran from San Francisco to the Capital). The ran the last segment (3-4 miles, I believe)

Before the evacuation

Blowing time before the gates open, found shade and watched the fly overs.

And we are evacuating