my ode to America... told through pictures

Growing up, the fourth of July was always a big deal to me. It usually meant spending time on Cayuga Lake, Cape Cod or simply in my backyard... bon firing and barbecuing with close friends and family. I was always a sucker for the sparklers, the fireworks, the smores and public displays of just plain ol' American spirit. I would literally get teary-eyed as the big fire engines strolled by, and the men and women of our military would march past me in the local parade. When I was about 10, these traditions halted for several years because we had moved to Canada and then later, Luxembourg. Living and experiencing these other countries and cultures was such an incredible blessing, however, when America's birthday rolled around each summer, I never ceased to feel a little unpatriotic and homesick. So, upon some reflection...I've assembled my own little ode to America, through pictures, for all the years I was away. 

my youngest bun, Charlotte 

my middle (and wildest) bun, Catherine

my oldest bun, Penny

the tallest guy in America,    my husband, Mike

So there you have it, my tribute to America through the lens of a camera. My family is far from perfect. At any given moment, on any given day, there's a multitude of hysterics, craziness and utter insanity that ensues, but there's always one of us, who without fail, manages to elevate the rest of us. And in those times, I'm reminded that our silliness, our laughter, our imperfections, our LOVE for each other is truly what my American dream is made of. Happy Birthday America. 

just my annual flag run in my backyard... God Bless America