Home of the Free because of the Brave

Nothing screams "America" more than good food, the best of friends and beautiful fireworks.  We celebrated the 4th with all of the above thanks to one of our favorite spots, the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Apollo hopped in the car and enjoyed the ride down to Charlotte's hidden treasure while we questioned the darkening clouds up above. We escaped the rain for the first two hours while we met up with Reuben, Shannon and Sairy. We ate outside listening to the sounds of the live band and enjoying the summer atmosphere. Right when we stepped outside of the awning, it started to sprinkle. Those few rain drops soon turned into a heavy rain and Apollo decided it was time to hit the road (he HATES water and being wet). We high-tailed it out of there, missing the fireworks but also dodging the traffic that would soon build up later that night.

We kept the American tradition going and grilled out the next day. Shannon and I got a break from the kitchen and enjoyed some rays at the pool while Jeremy and Reuben cooked up delicious hamburgers, ribs, baked beans and grilled zucchini. We grubbed our little hearts out enjoying a full dinner table for once. Later that night, Jeremy and I avoided the uptown crowds and headed to downtown Waxhaw for snow cones and fireworks.

We rounded off the weekend with more family time and for Jeremy, a trip to the barber shop. You read right. Jeremy took a trip to the barber, something he hadn't done in 10 years. He left the house, dreads hanging loosely and came back with a fresh cut, no dreads in sight but still handsome as ever.

With literally a big weight off Jeremy's shoulders, we headed to the pool joining my sister and her family for a fun filled afternoon. Keegan played hard, splashing and kicking in the water until it was Adult Swim, forcing him to rest. After a few snacks, he couldn't keep his little eyes open any longer and was out for the rest of the night.

Jeremy and I couldn't have asked for a better 4th of July weekend. We are so grateful to live in this country, land of the free and home of the brave. Let freedom ring.