Have a happy and safe 4th of July. #lakewildwood #bealeairforcebase

I live in the most beautiful community on Earth. My neighbors are like family, both my sons live here along with their wives and kids, and so does my best friend/sister-in-law. When I drive home from work I feel so blessed to be living here. Our community is small and we live with no fencing. Wild animals share the land with domesticated ones and it always amazes me when dogs are accepted by deer as harmless. Of course, that is not always the case, but it has been the case with ours. Just the other day, two baby raccoons lost their mama and of course my husband adopted them. They live in the creek in the backyard and he feeds them kibble. 

The 4th of July always starts with skiers then the boat parade, then games for the kids, food, BBQ, and then the fireworks show. Lake Wildwood fireworks are known for their beauty. Family and friends gather together and lay on blankets gazing toward the sky, watching the fireworks and feeling the booming reverberate in our chest. No matter how many times I see them, I still get a thrill. 

Mid-day we have a salute to our veterans. Beal Air Force Base is just down the road so Penn Valley has a lot of retired and active military. Every 4th of July, we have the flag raising ceremony and we honor those who have served. Lake Wildwood gives us a sense of peace that is hard to find anywhere else. There is also a sense of pride in our country. I like this feeling. It reminds me who we are and my gkids are growing up knowing who they are too. Being an American is a good thing and that sense of pride is good for them as well. 

To those who have served and are serving, my family and I thank you. And thank you for making Lake Wildwood a safe and friendly place graced with your presence.  We appreciate you.