Happy 4th of July

The opportunities for reinvention continue... Our plans to spend the 4th of July with my parents at Camano - our yearly, most favorite tradition - screeched to a halt this year. With all our precautions with the pandemic, and against all odds, we were exposed to Covid the week before our trip. We consulted our doctors and the health department, and were advised not to travel. I prayed a lot. Honestly, I was devastated. For the risks my family was under, for the cancellations. After working so hard, and this being possibly my favorite tradition all year long, it was excruciating to make the hard, but right decision to stay home. However, my incredible family knows how to do the right thing, even if it is exceptionally disappointing. I am so proud of the six of us. I know we will look back years from now, and know we did everything we could to take care of each other, and even those we don't know in our community who could be affected by our decisions in a worldwide pandemic. I wish more people cared about that last part, but I can only focus on what I can do. My own obedience to God is what I'm here for, and the rest is off my shoulders. Who knew the beginning of my "4th of July" entry, would be a little min-sermon ;)

So, we celebrated at home. Kyle had six days off work (he decided to keep the vacation days, because work is stressful and even a vacation at home is better than going to work sometimes!)... we did our best to plan outings with the kids, that would safely work with all the Covid madness. That meant airsoft gun battles in the woods, early morning disc golf,  hikes to the creek, backyard s'mores, water balloon baseball, driveway fireworks, a home-made feast, mixed in with some Covid testing (NEGATIVE, WOO HOO! Relief!). The holiday is redeemed! Fun was had by all!

Thankful to live in a country that I love, with so many freedoms, and so much beauty. Completely imperfect and broken, as all places are. But still a gift, and beautiful in so many ways. Utterly thankful to God for good health, and my resilient and positive family.

Scared of firecrackers