Freedom

During 2013, Tim and I spent more than two weeks in a country where freedoms were limited, and many things were controlled.

I think that we both walked away from that experience with a new appreciation of our lives here, of what we take for granted.  So this year, on America's birthday, I made it a point to grab my camera and try to look at our celebration through the eyes of our children, who find wonder in all things - and who, because they are in America, are free to wonder about and explore anything that they want.

Like what happens when you throw little snapper things on the ground.

Or what happens when you touch a flame to a sparkler,

and see one lit for the very first time.

 

 Or how you have the power to make the light dance.

 

  Or watch it burn and try to figure out how it works.

Or just take off and see how fast the light will blaze.

Or how still you can stay and how much it will smoke.

I'm so grateful that my three children will grow up in a place where they can run and play and dream and wonder and experiment and question and worship and love.

Happy birthday, America.