Let Freedom Ring!

Paul's parents came into town to bring us their 4 motorcycles.  They've been asking for a while whether or not we wanted them and every time they asked Paul politely declined.  He didn't have a plan for where to keep them or how to haul them so he decided they weren't for us.  Finally to my surprise he decided he wanted them.  We still really don't have a place for them and they need some work but we are excited to add another thing to the list of family hobbies.  

I got on a motorcycle for the first time in my life.  At first I was a little apprehensive and I definitely couldn't add a passenger yet but I enjoyed riding around by myself.  Audrey loved every moment of being behind her Dad or Grandpa Rod.  It was a little muddy so they slipped around a bit but she still wanted to go over and over again.  Of course true to Audrey's nature she couldn't pass up the opportunity to do some wild flower picking while we were there.  I think if I had of been born the same time as Audrey we would have been best friends.  My child self was a lot like her. 

After we rode bikes for a couple hours we had missed the parade, but I really wanted to go to the little town we'd planned to see it in.  So many people here have told me how beautiful it is there so I wanted to wander around a bit and see what all the talk was about.

We drove through the middle of town and spotted a few shops we wanted to see.  We found an old timey candy store which drew me in right away.  I had flash backs of the fruit stand again as I filled a brown paper bag with all of my favorites and some I've never tried.  I was excited to reminisce with Paul while I ate chic-o-sticks, frooties, and salt water taffy of all flavors.  

The next shop we stopped at was a rock store.  Audrey is a rock collector.  She's not super pick about her rocks but she had some really beautiful ones.  As we walked through the store her eyes lit up.  She wanted to take them all home but we convinced her that one was enough.  She picked out a small piece of flourite and I picked out a little onyx bear that was solid black.  It reminds me of Montana and all of our adventures.  Someday it will be a sweet reminder of the time we spent here.

On the way home we snacked on treats and talked about motorcycles and our plans for the rest of the day.  

When we got home Anne and I prepared for our yearly BBQ.  We ate a delicious meal and then went outside to enjoyed hundreds of confetti poppers.  They don't allow fireworks here so we had to improvise.  I would say Audrey enjoyed it just as much as the small fireworks we'd usually set off.  Her favorite part was lining up with as many people as possible, counting down, and pulling the strings at the same time.  After vacuuming up we put Audrey to bed for a couple hours while we waited for the city fireworks. We arrived at the church, picked a good spot to sit, and sat down to wait.  It took a half hour before they started, but it was worth the wait.  I expected them to last as long as maybe a couple songs, but was surprised when it continued on for six songs.  It was truly the most amazing firework show I've ever seen.  It was such a sweet moment to share with family.  As they played the national anthem I teared up.  After reading the last book I read on World War II I couldn't help but think of those who gave their lives for our freedom, those who who woke up every morning wondering if they were going to make it back home or if this would be the day they'd say goodbye.  I know there have been more and continue to be more who fight for our safety and freedom and I'm truly grateful for them and their families. It's because of them that I was able to have today with this beautiful family of mine.  Thanks Rod and Anne for joining us!  We enjoyed ever minute of your visit here.