Celebrating Freedom

We live in an amazing place that constantly reminds me (with wide open spaces and abundant nature) how blessed I am to live in a country with so much freedom.  I know we have our issues as a country but if you've ever traveled to other, less fortunate countries, you come to appreciate America, despite our issues.

And the only reason we have that freedom, is because of those brave men and women who fought for it.  Those men and women who left their families and many of whom gave their lives so that we could "do whatever we want to" on the 4th of July.  Thank you to all the brave men and women who have served, have fought, have died... and to those currently serving, fighting, or dying... and to every single member of their family who is being brave and strong in their absence. 

Speaking of freedom, here's a little glimpse at all the beautiful nature that surrounds us here in Tahoe (all of this is free of charge... it's just out there, waiting to be taken in):

 We went on a hike recently in Carson Pass which is pretty high in elevation. 

There was still PLENTY of snow.  So much snow that we actually changed our plans and turned around before making it to our "end destination." 

We were just tired of stomping through the snow.  

 Zephyr LOVED all the snow.  And it kept him cool on the hike. 

THERE WERE LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL WILDFLOWERS. 

AND STILL A PARTIALLY FROZEN POND AT THE TOP. 

ZEPHYR ENJOYED SMELLING THE FLOWERS

BEAUTIFUL SEQUOIAS

And here are a few videos of Zephyr having fun in the snow: 

For the fourth, we kept it pretty low key.  Mike worked.  I stayed around the house to avoid the crowds.  We went to a friends house for hamburgers and walked from their house to the beach to watch the fireworks.  It was great!  The long weekend was so nice but now, it's back to reality (at least for a few more days until my summer vacation starts... I love my job).