I'd have to say 4th of July is in my top three list of favorite holidays. Ever since I was a kid I have looked forward to the fireworks, cookouts, parades and joy that surrounds the celebration of our great country. I actually find it quite apropos that when my mom was pregnant with me her due date was July 5th; I would have been a great 4th of July baby! But instead waited 17 more days before finally making my arrival. (Sorry mom!).

As a kid we always had a big 4th of July party with tons of friends and family, lots of food, swimming and a fireworks show to complete the night. My fond memories include dressing in lots of red, white and blue (sometimes my sister and I even had matching outfits); being in charge of putting together the first aid kit (you never know what you might need); spending the better part of the day in our pool swimming, jumping, diving and splashing; and graduating from only being allowed to use sparklers or light those black pellets that turn into "snakes", to being right by my dad's side lighting off some regular fireworks, and eventually being old enough to set the street ablaze with fountains and shells spewing beautiful colors that lit up the sky.

I am definitely my dad's daughter when it comes to 4th of July. He loves this holiday! And even if there isn't a big party happening at the house, he still always buys a few fireworks and puts on a show for whoever is interested.

And yet for my complete love of this holiday, I actually considered not going to my parents party this year. You see we've got a great 360 degree view of fireworks for our condo...that is really quite spectacular. But the more I thought about it, the more I longed for the 4th of July celebrations of my youth. And so, I am going. It'll be a little different than when I was a kid. I'll still don my patriotic colors, but instead of being in charge of the first aid kit I've got dessert covered (I don't think we ever even needed the kit, but it was a great way for my parents to let me help). And I won't be the one lighting any fireworks off this year, I'll leave that to my dad, sister and nephews, but I will sit back and enjoy the show.

Most importantly today though, I am thankful for the freedoms that I have as a citizen of the U.S., and for all those that have or continue to fight for our freedom. I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July and celebrate with the traditions that bring joy to your life. I know I will be.

God Bless the USA!