The Fourth has always been a fun time for our family.  From the time my kids were little, we would go to their Grandma’s house in Sacramento, ride our bikes and park under the huge fireworks display in California’s capital city. It was quite a sensory overload and I’m sure we may have scarred one or two kids.

As the kids grew up, the siblings would go off together with their friends and celebrate on the top of Hunter’s Point.  It’s a scenic place that overlooks the entire Bay Area from downtown San Jose all the way to the Bay Bridge in San Francisco.  They go up there with a bunch of glow sticks and flashlights to watch the fireworks.  I loved how they made it their own holiday and carried on the family tradition.

This year my second son is deployed with the Marines.  He won’t be here for fireworks,  and shouts of “Murica!” but I’m not going to let that stop me from rolling out the hot dogs and donning my American flag clothes!  (My sons like to compete as to who can have more America wear each year.)

I feel so blessed to be born in America.  I can read my Bible freely and attend church without fear.  That’s the best tradition — dressing up like a flag just adds to the celebration! I hope your family has their own traditions and you enjoy your freedoms this week.