July 4th, 2013

Every year we have found ourselves heading up to Ogden to spend the day with the South Clan. This year wasn't any different. It always fun to head up and eat, swim, chat, laugh, eat, swim and finally get ready for the fireworks.

This year we made it up to Ogden about 2 pm.

After a fun filled day of eating and swimming we finally closed down the pool and got ready to see some fireworks.

 

I am so thankful to live in the United States of America. I am thankful for the founding fathers who created the Declaration of Independence. Although it is being held only by thred, remember the men who created that document to make our country the land of the free.

 

During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United States independent from Great Britain.^[4][5] After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.^[6]

Adams's prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.^[7]
Historians have long disputed whether Congress actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, even though Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin all later wrote that they had signed it on that day. Most historians have concluded that the Declaration was signed nearly a month after its adoption, on August 2, 1776, and not on July 4 as is commonly believed.^{[8][9][10][11][12]}
In a remarkable coincidence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. Although not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but another Founding Father who became a President, James Monroe, died on July 4, 1831, thus becoming the third President in a row who died on this memorable day. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, was born on July 4, 1872, and, so far, is the only President to have been born on Independence Day.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)

 



 

Zury Xandaya

 

When my new niece was born the kids and I were out of town. So although it took me about two weeks to head over and meet the new Heinrichs baby, it was a precious event. As I was holding Zury, Abi looked at me and asked what I was holding. I told her it was her new cousin Zury. With questioning eyes, I asked her if she would like to hold her. As you can see she quickly posed for a picture and then she was done, ready to play with her bigger cousins.

 

So glad to have a new little one in the family.

June 2013

Jack & Abigail,

As summer finally approaches, we continue to try and read a story each and every day. There are quite a few books that you both have memorized that you love to read yourselves. Your personalities continue to develop into such inspiring spirits. You love all of the activities that we do each and every day even if its just hanging out at home.

Your dad and I have finally gotten both of you into the habit of brushing and flossing your teeth. You both have started to brush your teeth by yourself and you want to floss by yourself, but your dad and I still help.

I need to start remembering things that you both say. They are pretty funny and make us laugh. The imaginations that you both have is just outstanding and looking back to when I was a child I remember having the same imagination.

You both continue to grow together and as individuals and your dad and I look forward into seeing who you both will become when you are older. Keep up the great learning and work you both do. We love you!

Last game of soccer season, Tyler/Jack/Abigail, Abi and her towel head, dirty feet, Jack posing, Jack and Daisy, Tyler/Jack/Abi - best cousin buds!