Independence Day!

July 4th has always been a bit of a family holiday for me; we don't do much besides a BBQ and just chill together. However, Independence Day fell on a Wednesday, so I stayed in IF to play with friends. Here are some pics of our celebration by the greenbelt.

Me and Brookey...

Briant and Brookey listening to his iPod to pass the time...

Me and Tracie...

This fellow is sporting the coolest mullet since 1986.
Notice the steps buzzed into the side of his head.
I was very sneaky in acquiring this picture...

Brooke and Tracie...

Independence Day inspired another poem. Here goes...

BELOVED LAND
by Gina O.
America the beautiful; blessed land of the free!
Brave men and women risk their lives to defend our liberty!
Long ago our Founding Fathers declared Independence
From any other nation who would threaten with offense.
They shared a vision of a land where freedom would unite!
For justice and for liberty they stood and fought with might.
A Constitution was constructed by those awesome men;
Among them was George Washington, and John and James and Ben.
They called their precious beloved land the United States;
A democratic government was formed--now open for debate.
Many wars have come to pass since we declared ourselves a nation;
Soldiers fight to keep us free out of love and determination.
They love this land, these cherished people in uniform;
And we enjoy our lives of leisure while they fight in the storm.
No other country can compare, America is best!
Abundant is the life I lead--I am considered blessed!
My precious flag--red, white and blue--inspires love and praise;
It makes me glad I'm in this land to live my lovely days.
Our Anthem brings tears to my eyes--I know this is God's land;
He blesses us so gracefully with His Eternal Hand.
So beautiful, this country dear; mountains, rivers, sky...
A melting pot of culture--and homemade apple pie!
All thy freedoms I enjoy upon thy lovely shores;
America, my country home, I couldn't love thee more.