Let freedom ring!

This is my first ex-pat July 4th.  I have a strange mix of feelings; homesickness, pride, patriotism.  I find it strange that I have on a coat and gloves on this Independence Day.  The world seems turned on its ear and sometimes I have trouble finding my feet on it, especially on days like this.  The embassy threw a huge party and invited our friends and neighbors.  It was nice to be able to visit with some of our Australian co-workers who do not normally cross our path daily.  I somehow got suckered into being on the decorations committee...co-chair in fact.  So, below are the creations we came up with.  Tell me what you think! (Just for clarification, I did NOT blow up all those balloons....we hired a lady.)

Each of these flags represent different times throughout American History.  You can't really tell but it starts with the 13 star flag and continues around the room to the flag we use today.  I was pretty proud of this part!!

Fifty stars on the left, "Betsy Ross" flag on the right.

These are the actual medals podiums from the 2000 Olympics held in Sydney.

This is the closest I will ever come to being on the Olympic medal stand...

Goodie bags we received on the way out.  That sunscreen will come in handy....at Christmas.

Hormel donate the hot dogs for our event.  Instead of 1000, they sent 5000 so these also went in our goodie bags!!

Happy 4th of July from me and Franklin!!!