We started our celebrations out right by reading the Declaration of Independence (the entire text including the grievances) to Sophia. She didn't seem too moved, but at least she was told what the day means.After first and second breakfast for Sophia, we got on the road to Battle Ground to spend the day with Grandma Darla, Grandpa Earl and Uncle Barry. If you aren't going to something patriotic, then spending the 4th with people you love is the best
way to celebrate. Earl and Darla are just back from a trip to South Dakota so we hadn't seem them in a few weeks. Like the good grandparents they are, they were impressed with all of Sophia's development.Happy Independence
Day! 
I also have to include this very funny picture of Abby our cat guarding Sophia in her swing. Abby has really taken up the idea that it is her job to guard the baby. Last night Sophia was
down the hall crying with Paul and Abby and I were in the kitchen. Abby was howling and trying like crazy to get me to go tend to Sophia. She was acting rather like Lassie when Timmy was down the well! It's great to see how attached she's gotten to Sophia. Hopefully she'll keep up that attachment when Sophia starts tugging at her tail.
