Some of my favorite photos from celebrating 4th of July at the beach with my family.

Every year, the kids get all decked out in their red, white and blue.  The house is decorated in celebration and the food is All-American favorites.  We usually watch the fireworks from the balcony at my parents’ house, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  We can see the whole Orange County Coast…and the entire sky is lit up with brilliant colors.  My mom has a playlist with Patriotic Songs, and we listen as we watch, sharing the moments together.

My grandpa was apart of the Greatest Generation to Ever Live.  He served in World War II, and was one of the most proud Americans I knew.  He loved the 4th of July.  And, we miss him so much.  So, in honor of him and the 4th, here’s a great shot of my grandparents on the Queen Mary in Long Beach.  When we took him to see it that day, there was a naval ship in the harbor we were able to tour.  It was just like the one he was on in the War, and he loved it.  He told us stories about how he lost his pictures of the signing of the treaty in a poker game, and how he rode the chanels of the Panama Canal.

Two of my favorite memories of him was then, at the Queen Mary, and when my husband and I took him to Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii.  I am so, so grateful that I have those times to look back on.  There were, of course, so many, but those two will always be special to me.

WOW!  This turned into a longer post than planned.  That happens sometimes!

Anyway…Have a Safe, Happy and Fun-Filled 4th of July!