In what has become a yearly tradition, we made the trip up to the farm to celebrate our nation's independence with the Gooch's. Last year we gathered at the farm and had such a wonderful time, we decided to do it again. Don't get me wrong, watching a fireworks show is fun, but it is way cooler when you get to light your own fireworks. Thomas and Hal brought  a small arsenal out to the farm this year, and I have to say it was pretty remarkable. This was just about as good as a professional show, but a little shorter and more time between rockets. No one seemed to mind, and the bearable weather actually made the whole event perfect. Sam, Nate and Callie got in on the action with some sparklers, and I even lit a few Black Cats and bottle rockets. Yes, they were left over from last year, but they still worked pretty well. I can't think of a better place to celebrate freedom and liberty than in the countryside with family, wonderful food, and beautiful surroundings. There will be many events between now and the next Independence Day, but when it rolls around again, you will know where to find us.