Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

I got 50 blueberries on there but I ran out of a couple colonies/stripes/strawberries...

"We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their CREATOR, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."

-Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

Doesn't that just give you chills? I know I can't be the only U.S. history geek out there. I love the Declaration of Independence! Our shot heard round the world. I would recite this every morning with my 5th graders right after the pledge.

I also love this part; I think it's even quoted in National Treasure-

"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

Here's how we "pursued happiness" on Independence Day-

Early, but still sweaty, 4th of July neighborhood Primary parade. How cute it that?! I felt like a Norman Rockwell painting.

Meeting cousin Eliza! Just think of the fun and mischief these 2 little girls will have as they get older! We had lots of family come to visit for Tanner's blessing. We had 4th of July staples: corn on the cob, watermelon, lemonade, baked beans, BBQ pork/beef... mmm good. We'll be eating leftovers for a week! Then we went on another late, but still sweaty walk to see fireworks. Charlotte was very curious and scared. She would cry and hold on to me then twist around to see the next one! Hopefully she'll like them more next year.

Did I mention it was sweaty?

This was a week or so ago, but I wanted a good picture of Charlotte's outfit.

Happy Independence Day!