I woke up at 5am and began work on my traditional 4th of July cookie. Once the cookie was cooked, I left it to cool and then took Balt for his walk. Monika wanted the honor of decorating the cookie this year. When Jessi and I went to Greece over the holiday in 2010, Monika made the cookie all by herself. I have a feeling of my 3 girls, Monika will be the keeper of Ford traditions.
Around 10am I met up with my husband at Starbucks to enjoy breakfast and the discussion of summer plans. His summer begins to get busy after this week. Just trying to plan going to USNA parent's weekend in August is going to be tight for him, but he doesn't want to be left out this time. Monika and I have begun our plans to go out west for college visits later this month and will do a few eastern college visits on our way to Annapolis to see Jessi in August. My husband will have to fly out to meet us since he doesn't have the time for the road trip. I'd be tempted to fly again as well, but Jessi really wants me to bring Balt.
At noon we went to Shorewood for a lunch spread and hanging out with old Shorewood friends. Shorewood does the whole small town Fourth of July deal that we used to go to when the girls were little and we were living in Eagle Heights. Monika enjoyed reconnecting with all her old elementary school chums and of course I did not mind bragging about Jessi going to the Naval Academy, talking about soccer and telling stories. A bunch of us soccer moms all shared about the novels we wanted to write. It was a lot of fun and crazy to think that most of the girls all met in kindergarten-- now they are seniors!
My husband wrote a really great 4th of July post in his blog. I know both of us are really thankful for the amazing opportunity that has been given to our daughter, not only to serve our country but for a top rate education and to swim on a really good college swim team. There are times when I feel like I still can't believe it's all worked out the way it has. We are both so proud of her. The privilege came because of her hard work and will only continue with her continued hard work. We were treated early this morning with a link to photos of her company running. I see so much calm in her face, especially when I catch glimpses of agony in other plebes. She seems so focused and that peace gives so much assurance, so much comfort. She did such a great job preparing. In the facebook posts that I have read so far 2 plebes have been hospitalized (exhaustion and dehydration) and 1 tried to escape (captured by police and returned). When I get to see her face, and see her resolve, I have no worries. I am thankful for social media sharing more than ever.
Tonight Jessi will get to sit in a big soccer field with her new friends to watch Independence Day fireworks just like her sisters. Monika is over at Shorewood with her friends and Erika with hers. My husband and I thought about going out, but we are both exhausted from the long day and ready to enjoy a quiet evening at home with the distant sound of rolling thunder that reminds us of our many blessings, our political and religious freedom and how very good life is as Americans.
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