I believe that our country is still in the cold war–at least from the standpoint of people trying to undermine our democracy and infiltrate our schools, our homes, and our government with communistic ideals. This theory is affirmed when looking at places like Oregon, California, and New York. When I served my mission in Portland, it was beautiful, safe, and fairly clean. What I understand is that crime rates have gone up and it isn’t safe to walk around downtown Portland. As the wife of a military service member, I feel and have seen the sacrifices he and our family have made for freedom–for the protection of democracy, so it is infuriating when I hear people bashing this great country. I don’t mind criticism of the president–it’s our right as citizens to have that voice, but when people trash-talk this country, it is as if the sacrifices our family has made don’t matter. Did I complain plenty while Andy was deployed or away for trainings? Sure, but I also understood that it was Andy and many men and women like him that have made the comforts and privileges we have possible.
I’m grateful I was born into this country, and I welcome those who want to come into this country and adopt our ideals. Our country is still a baby in the world view, but its influence has spread throughout the world. I have been tickled to see foreigners come into our country for the world cup and have their whole view of our country shift to that of admiration. I enjoy going and visiting other countries as well, but I always love coming home.
We had a great time celebrating the US’s 250th birthday from the balcony of our hotel room. They had fireworks shoot off the pier just down from where we were staying.
We had a good time relaxing, sleeping, swimming, reading. and shopping at Myrtle Beach. We had an evening home where I tried to get done as much as possible before taking off again for Texas. There will be a lot to do when we get home, but not much I can do from here, so time to relax ;).
We took the Jackson clan to our favorite buffet–Izumis to celebrate Maverick getting his braces off and also to say thanks for their help moving. 
Jackson family tradition to eat at Benjamin’s. 
Another family tradition is to go to the family fun park across from our hotel. 
Time at the beach 
Time at the pool 
This was the door between our rooms, it was NOT hard to open, but for some reason Harvey had the hardest time opening it up, so he created a method of putting his foot on the wall to give himself some leverage.