Day One Hundred Sixty-four

"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn away from evil." Proverbs 3:5-7

Ryan had a good day today, but he was worn out at the end of the day.  He laid down in our bed, and didn't want to move.  :)  Sometimes as a parent you have a sense of accomplishment when the kids are worn out before you.  It doesn't happen often.

We were actually just about on time (meaning only 10 minutes late) to the early service today.  It was a really good service focusing on what Independence Day means to us.  The gentleman that wasn't deployed to Iraq talked on stage with the pastor for a while, and it was nice.  Mirjan was in the nursery today, so Emma kept her company.

We had a late lunch/early dinner at our house with Will and Marielk and Alfredo and Dinora.  The kids enjoyed playing and the meal was good.  Mirjan made a wonderful meal. Thank you!

We left the house around 5:30 and headed up north to the river to watch the fireworks.  We have gone there the past six years, and really enjoy it.  There are about 50K people, but you have plenty of room and it doesn't seem crowded at all.  We found a place on the river, set up camp, and then we went to the petting zoo and got a snow cone.  There is plenty of shade from the oak trees and a breeze off the river, which made a seemingly hot day, very pleasant.   Then we hung around and waited for the fireworks.

It was a good day!  The fireworks were loud and beautiful.  Emma was sitting on Nanna's lap and hugging her tight for a while.  Afterward, we got out of there and were home in about 30 minutes.  Last year we had moved about 100 yards in 30 minutes.  It took us six years, but we finally figured out where to park and Mirjan figured out how to get out of there quickly....or we just got lucky this year.   We'll know for sure after next year. :)

Father, thank you for blessing us with this day with family and friends.  Thank you for blessing us with this wonderful country and the freedom that we enjoy every day.  Please bless all of the servicemen and women who have sacrificed to help provide that freedom.  I ask that you continue to strengthen Ryan and keep him healthy.  In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.