Fourth of July

We started off the day at Ft. McHenry, which is where Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner. He was on a ship out in the harbor watching the British bomb the fort in 1814 in the Battle of Baltimore. When the large flag was hoisted above the fort the next morning, they all knew that the "flag was still there" and that we had been victorious in battle. It was a great place to visit on the 4th. We got to unfurl a replica flag inside the fort, then everyone sang the Star Spangled Banner. It was very moving. We saw the original flag in DC the other day. The kids enjoyed walking around the fort. We had a mini picnic by the water, and we got to watch them fire the 18 pound cannon for the first time ever. I can't even imagine what a battle would have sounded like. By the time we left about 2:30 a crowd was moving in to stake out spots for the fireworks. We headed to Jeff and Becky's and spent the rest of the day at their house with her family. It was a nice day. The kids played in the water, and Becky had various fun things for them to do. They love her and had a great time. It was about 75 degrees all day with a breeze, so they turned a bit blue in the water, but we had to pull them out. They would have stayed in all day. It was nice. We were able to see the fireworks from the street out in front of their house, so it was nice to be able to do that without fighting the crowds. We got in late, and the dog was very happy to see us. She has been a good traveler, but she is not too happy when we leave her all day. Off for the next adventure!

Sparklers!

Pinata

Fun in the pool

Cannonballs at Ft. McHenry

Unfurling the Star Spangled Banner