Independence Day on the Banks of the Mississippi

The Fourth of July was one of the first holidays post M that I felt slightly prepared for.  I purchased an outfit for Madeleine (though I was a bit late getting to the store and didn't really have many options so I had to improvise), planned outfits for Brody and I, shopped for and made a special dessert and made plans for a fireworks show and activities.

There were a few bumps in the road, like having to go to the store twice because I forgot ingredients and not getting as many pictures as I would have hoped, but all in all, it was a pretty good holiday planning wise.  

I made my jello flag cake, which turned out quite deliciously.  We also visited Stillwater, MN, a small touristy town on the banks of the Mississippi, ate dinner and met up with our friends Parley and Angela for an AMAZING fireworks show.  They had fireworks that I had never seen before.  It was pretty impressive.  We sat feet away from the river, where they set the fireworks off from a barge.

Stillwater Main St.

Our cute friends, Angela, Parley and Brandt

Madeleine wasn't too fussy and even stayed up the whole time.  She was totally mesmerized by the firework show.  It was darling to watch.  She also fell fast asleep in the car on the way home. I was so worried about having her stay up late, but I'm glad that I was lenient with bedtime for once!  Fireworks are always a highlight of my summer and I'm so happy that I was able to enjoy them.  

I am also so grateful for those who fought for our country to make it what it is today.  Brody and I watched some History Channel episodes on the Revolutionary War before heading to Stillwater.  It is so incredible that, America, the colonies of disorganized soldiers and government, actually beat Great Britain.  If that isn't a testament of divine intervention, then I don't know what is!