independence day musings

this is the first year that the bean is not with us for the 4th of july. i know she's having a wonderful time with her grandparents, but i really miss her, dang it. the old lady will likely spend the day with her special friend (as she should), and the hub and i have had a lot of mixed emotions the past few days as we dip a toe in the empty nesters' pool that will be a regular thing for us in no time flat. 

it's very weird. 

and so on that note, here's one of my most favorite pictures from independence days past...

oh, and one more:

happy 4th, everybody!