The 4th and it's festivities...finally!

Well here it is folks! Sorry its so late but at least it's better than never and I hope you enjoy all the pictures! I'll be putting it in chronological order so keep scrolling down for more of the day's happenings!
Thank you to everyone who helped and gave their input and especially for Mr. Ervin who allowed me to be a photographer for this first event and to God who has blessed me with this camera!

Declaring our Freedoms!

On the Fourth of July, our family went to the historic 1846 Lapeer County Courthouse for a reading of the Declaration of Independence, by our friend Mr. Ervin. As President and founder of the "Heritage Research Institute", he organized this event to promote awareness of our great nation's history. This is the first time we have been there, though it took place last year as well. Mr. Ervin asked Grace to be one of the official photographers this year; she ended up taking about 190 pictures (which is one of the reasons this is only getting on the blog now :)
Despite a little rain at the beginning, the ceremony was very well attended (about 350+), and many of our friends were there, as you may see from the pictures. Several patriotic songs were sung while an ensemble from the Lapeer Civic Orchestra played, historic background was given, and Mr. Ervin, in a period costume, read the Declaration aloud, acting the part of a Colonial leader reading it to a gathering of townspeople. At its conclusion, he had the crowd give three "huzzahs" (cheers), and the Rev. Dr. Richard Geigert of Hadley Community Church said a prayer, asking for God's continued blessing on our nation.