There Ain't No Doubt I Love this Land...

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- There's something about celebrating Independence Day in our nation's capital that makes it seem a little more exciting than it would probably be otherwise, especially when you get a four day weekend to top it off. This 4th of July I headed to the Jefferson Memorial to get in on the action and thanks to a dear friend we got there with plenty (and I mean PLENTY) of time to spare. That meant before the fireworks show kicked off there was ample time to sport a colonial hat and sign a Declaration of Independence with a feather pen...

And play a special version of Uno while seeking refuge in the shade on the Jefferson steps...

All whilst in the company of good friends, old and new.

Much to the amazement of us all, the fireworks started with a bang before the sky even turned completely dark (I guess the stimulus funds didn't get spread to the capital fireworks crew... so the show had to start early and run short)

But nonetheless, it was of course spectacular. How could it not be? Look at that view over the Tidal Basin! When DC's show finished, other firework shows kicked off all across the valley... we had a panoramic view. I love this holiday!

The trip home was just as adventurous. We had thousands of these guys to keep us company on the trek back into Virginia...

To top the night off, we had homemade apple pie (made by yours truly)

Independence Day always makes me reflect on why I love America so much. It's hard for me to describe my feelings for this great country of ours. I've had a different vantage point over the last few years on the inner workings of our government that have instilled a sense of hope in me that our country will keep surviving and become even better and stronger than it ever has been, because that's what it has always done throughout its short history. Yet at the same time it has opened up an entirely new world to me. One of feelings of frustration and discouragement and even sometimes anger, that I never knew were in me. But despite whether we agree with those who lead our country, or even with those who vote, God has His hand in it all. That is one thing that remains very clear to me. I see it when I walk past the Capitol building every day on my way to and from work. There's something about it that is awe inspiring. It makes me want to work harder and be better. And I feel it when I walk down its mighty hallways, where I sometimes have to force myself to slow down and soak it all in to remember so many of our country's great leaders have walked in this same spot. And I feel it over and over again when I gaze up at the majestic American flag waving in the shadows of the Capitol Dome. It gives me the chills every time. There's just something special about this place. And I love it.