GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

David and I took the girls to the Army Base, Fort Lee, to see the fireworks. We had a good time. I think we got there too early because it became hard to keep the girls entertained after a while, as we waited for the fireworks to begin. They had no trouble, however, making friends with a lady sitting near us who had toys. This sweet woman kept giving them balls and toys to play with. They would return them and she'd give them something else. She let them keep a couple of balls and a soft frisbe, plus the bag (or purse as Sadie called it) that they came in. She was so nice. Sadie who is usually quite shy kept going back to her. She even hugged her but she wouldn't give her or her big kids five. They turned the flood lights off to start the fireworks show so it was pretty dark. Sadie watched the fireworks for a minute but then she wanted to escape my lap to find her way back to the toy lady in the dark. We ended up leaving before the fireworks were even over because the girls were so restless. It was nearly 3 hours past their bedtime. As we were walking away both of the girls were very interested in the fireworks. Sadie watched them over my shoulder and exclaimed, "Pretty!" It was fun but I think the girls were a little too young for such an event. My neighbors said they watched the fireworks from their back deck. Maybe we'll join them next year if we keep the kiddos up that late again.

Eliza likes to play fireworks. We lay down on the floor on a blanket. I will make noises and Eliza will point to the ceiling and say, "Look, a red one," and "Oh, pretty!"