Maybe it wasn't a traditional Independence Day celebration, but we did enjoy Sarah's famous red velvet cobbler with homemade cream cheese ice cream.

And we did spend time with special friends.

Our quiet, stay-at-home, celebration, where the mamas could sit and visit or capture memories from behind the camera, was exactly what our family needed.

It was still light outside when our festivities were over, but our hearts were full of gratitude for sweet friendship and for our home country.