7.04.2009

Happy 4th of July!

I love the 4th of July! It is funny, because over the last decade, the majority of our 4ths have been celebrated out of the country. We celebrated big time this year in Huy!


We had the Boatwrights, Amy, Kevin, Sirin, and Xavier over for an American night. (Tracy sent us some great 4th of July decorations a couple of weeks ago, so we were all decked out. Thanks, Tracy!)

The ladies chatted inside while the men...


...tended the burgers. Clay is having so much fun with our new grill. It appears he has inherited the Sandoz seasoning and grilling gene. This is something I am very thankful for :)


Cheeseburgers and potato salad. Sigh. America.


Complete with a patriotic finish! Americans love their flag desserts, don't we? :)




After dinner we walked up to this lookout in Old Huy. Somehow we started singing the Star Spangled Banner at the top of our lungs. You know something? That felt really good. Like REALLY good. After months of trying to fit in and not "rock the Belgian boat" it felt really swell to be able to be so outwardly American. I really love the Belgian culture, and I am so happy to be here, but for just a couple of minutes we were able to "get our wiggles out" (as they used to say at SonShine School :) It was awesome.


And then... we sparkled.


What a wonderful day. Who could ask for more? Celebrating our beautiful home country while living in this awesome new country? And doing it all with sweet new friends? God has been very good to me.

Happy 4th of July, America.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I wish i coul'd have been there with you all. Tha,k you so mauch for the invite, but i had no other solution than going to work . grrr

Unknown said...

Hey guys - great update. A Grill!! wow - it made me happy and glad to know the seasoning and grilling traits have passed down to yet another generation. Now we just need to get some pork chops and sausage to you. Glad you had a fun 4th!

love - dad

Anonymous said...

Yeah for YOU!! I loved your pictures, decorations & hearing about your celebration. It always helps when you can touch home in Your Serving Him. Thanks for keeping us connected.
Sending Love,
Kitty

Anonymous said...

So good to catch up with you. Yes, we understand completely about the 4th away from home. We felt the same way in Ukraine...loved it there and could have lived there for a very long time, but our roots are deep in this country and we are so thankful for America...warts and all! :) You both look great...so happy you are there being Lights in that corner of the world! Was fun seeing your mom's pics of their time there...what fun for all of you to be together! Love from America! :) Shari Hunt

Anonymous said...

We were on the road with our grandson Kyle and his cousin on the 4th. We ate dinner on the old square in Alberquerque,NM. and watched square dancers and listened to country music. On the way back to our RV park, we saw the city lite up with fire works. It was a beautiful view.
I am so glad you had a great time with your friends. God is so good.
love you sweetie,
Shirley E.