Miss Independance

Happy 4th, everyone. It has been hard for me to feel especially patriotic in recent years, until I realize that what I do love about this country is the fact that I can say such a thing without fear. And when I see what it's like to be a woman in other parts of the world, I can't feel anything but humbled and grateful. 

On a lighter note, today is Ella's 5th birthday. She teaches me about independence on a daily basis, sometimes to my dismay, usually to my delight. 

The last couple of weeks have been a flurry of birthdays around here. Finn turned 7 (!) on the 22nd of June and we had a combo party last week. I sometimes find myself wishing that I could hold the kids at this age for longer than a year. They are such people now, but still full of magic.