4th of July

As you can see, Caleb takes fire safety very seriously.
We had a fun BBQ at the Mirci's house. The kids played games, rode bikes, chased each other around and lit off smoke bombs (with help) til they stunk to high heaven.

Quinton showed off his new braces and his patriotic cuteness.

We rode the RTA downtown to see the Cleveland Orchestra play patriotic tunes and after wards we watched fireworks. The reflections off the skyscrapers made them look twice as big. Of course I cried. I'm always amazed at how music can bring out such powerful emotions.

I love this country and I know it was founded so the gospel could be restored. I'm grateful for the freedoms I sometimes take for granted. I try to live my life to honor those brave enough to defend our way of life and I pledge to stand up for our moral beliefs to keep this country strong.

"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the new Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won't fail. I have faith in America ; you and I must have faith in America , if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges.
I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through. -Harold B. Lee