Grateful.

This morning, like we do every July 4th, we scrambled out of bed, had a quick breakfast and raced to get dressed.  Breakfast dishes piled on the counter, beds unmade and we were out the door.  It has become a July 4th tradition to meet up with friends a few towns away for one of the best parades around.  Some years we are the first ones of the group to arrive.  Some years we are the last.  We live in a different town and don’t see these people all that often but we know our paths will cross on this holiday.  Every year my daughter finds her place with the young girls, daughters of old friends.  Excited this morning, she told us to ‘hurry’ when we were on our way.  My son, this year, intimidated by so many girls, started out on my lap but then found his rhythm with the other kids.

My favorite parts of the parade are the Revolutionary soldiers and the women that follow them.  I also love the old-fashioned big wheeled bikes.  I think my kids love the candy the best!  They don’t get a lot of candy at home so it’s quite a treat.

Today is a day that I feel grateful.  Grateful that I live here in this country and for those that came long before me to make that possible.  Grateful for my dear friends, the ones we see here and the others that are celebrating somewhere else.  Grateful that today everyone in my family is healthy and happy.  Happy 4th of July!