Independence Day Fun

Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays of the year because of what was adopted on July 4, 1776.  Everyone calls it the Declaration of Independence, but the full title at the top of the document is: "The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America" (note the lowercase U in united and uppercase S in States).  I think my affinity for the Declaration started when I played Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration, in my 3rd grade play, white wig and all.  (I'm told that a video of my dramatic reading is now in the National Archives in Washington D.C.) 

One of the few wall hangings I owned before Alicia and I got married was of the Declaration.  She thinks it the epitome of my dorkiness.  I think that it secretly scored me some points. (Anika will know she's found her match someday when she finds a man who carries around a pocket Constitution and has a wall hanging of the Declaration!) Some of the language and principles in this document are timeless--"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The history told by the train of abuses is an amazing account of what the Founders were reacting to when they created our system of government. And I love to look at the signatures at the bottom--of men who were signing what could have become a death warrant had the Revolution failed. All of this romanticism to say that Alicia, Anika and I started a brand new Freeman family tradition today--the reading aloud of the Declaration of Independence.

This is Anika getting ready for Independence Day--striking a modest pose.

Checking out the Declaration up close--Alicia insisted that we read from the wall hanging so as to put it to use.

Studying the signatures of the Founding Fathers.

By this time, Anika is in awe at how long it takes to read this thing aloud, and how difficult it is for Dad to read the tiny cursive. But we read every word!  You should too (http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html).

After our first annual reading of the Declaration, Anika insisted on doing more modern American things, like swimming. 

First she had to get lathered up with sunscreen.

Next she got suited up in her designer, hand-me-down swimsuit--looking like a doll, as usual.

Then, it's into the pool for the first time.  She's a bit cautious. Where did this giant bathtub come from!?

Anika absolutely loved this watering can.  I think it's because of the mutant blonde boy with the watering can on the back of her rice cereal box.

Family picture in the pool, but Anika can't be bothered to smile on account of the watering can.

The aftermath of our Independence Day swim (thanks to Auntie Karen for her hospitality)!