the 5th of july

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'Merica! What's better to celebrate America than with family, fire, and food? Nothing. Nothing is better than family, fire, and food, and if you can't celebrate with family, fire, and food on the fourth, celebrate with family, fire, and food on the fifth! Jerry and I drove to Goldsboro after oohing and aahing at Chapel Hill's fireworks, apparently a top 10 in the nation firework show according to Travel & Leisure Magazine, to have a small little celebration with family and friends. Of course, none of this would be complete without mini American flags, American Flag themed desserts, tasty cheese trays + fruit salsa, and of course, fire on a stick. This was Warner's first time with sparklers and poppers. The wonderment a child, and even adults, have with sparkly fire is just mesmerizing. However, a note to the wise: if you hand a three-year-old a sparkler, you better know how to run fast!

I hope you had a fabulous Fourth of July celebration full of family, food, and fire, too!

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independence day pt. 2

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This is my Dad and Great Grandpa. Both served our country for many years, fought in many wars and supplied America its freedom. These are just two people in my life who have served our country. Thank you Grandpa, Grandpa Charlie, Papa, Uncle David, Rex and all the others.

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 Paul E. Vied, Great Grandpa, circa 1968-9.20110704-115416.jpg

Paul E. Vied, II, Dad, circa 1968-9.