Independence Day

The boys doing a little patriotic "art, poetry and music"

John Adams, one of my favorite founders, wrote something profound to his wife Abigail as he was away at the war front. She had asked him in a letter "What should we tell our neighbors? Why are we doing this?" John wrote back: "You tell them that we study war, so that our children can study business, law, commerce and invention, so that their children can study art, and poetry and music."

The fourth of July is among my most favorite holidays. There's something wonderful about seeing American flags proudly displayed, hearing patriotic music passionately sung, discussing the inspired beginnings of our country... and sharing it all with loved ones.

Ever since my first lessons about our founders (thank you, Grandpa Dee), I've been in awe of these great men and women. I feel such a reverence for these inspired leaders who gave their lives, fortunes and sacred honor so that our great country could be established. At the same time my heart swells with gratitude when I consider the hand of God in raising up the founders and leading them in the creation of this republic.

Mom and Dad Calvert joined us for the holiday weekend. We spent the morning of the fourth at church and then hosted some friends and neighbors for dinner.

A little pre-dinner conversation among the guys

Cal and Merit at the infamous "kids table"
Crystal with baby Killian, just 2 days old!

Merit and Cal "quality testing" the frosting for the brownies.

We hope you had a wonderful independence day, too!

Lake Pleasant

On Friday we met up with the Smiths for some much overdue R&R together on the lake. Seems like we were just at Lake Powell together talking about kids and now we each have two! This was the first time Cal and Crewe have been on a boat. Thankfully, they had the old pros, Jason and Haley (both age 3), to show them the ropes. Cal liked to swim in the "big pool" as he called it and "go fast" in the boat.