Let Freedom Ring

If you're unsure how freedom ringing sounds, I'll nominate the Carillon at Beaumont Tower, regally housed on the campus of Michigan State University.

Ryan took a little extra time off, in addition to the already long holiday weekend, and we took a little day trip to Michigan State, the first time either of the kids have visited our alma mater.

The sprawling green lawns and stately architecture of the West Circle dorms still takes my breath away.  So much history rings through the air as the bells chime the notes to "Shadows". 

As we walked towards Beaumont Tower, a photographer was finishing shots of a new bride and groom, beginning their new life together. 

Abbey and Dylan ran around and fed ducks and played in the Children's Garden, enjoying their day at a university that holds countless memories for countless students.

Young and carefree, their paths are wide open and undefined, leading higher and farther than I can imagine.  And I am so grateful that we live in this wonderful country where their futures can be defined by their own dreams.

Enjoy yourself today and celebrate as you see fit.  As Abbey asked when we talked about the holiday being "America's Birthday", what kind of cake will America have?

Happy 4th of July!

Dylan was momentarily impressed by the height of the tower 

Abbey wanted to go inside

of course she wouldn't take our word for it that it was closed for the day 

Abbey counting the five chimes for five o'clock