A Happy 4th in the City

One sweet lil US Citizen

It was really a nice day. A good bit of fan fare they put on for the 13 kids chosen for the ceremony. One for each of the original 13 colonies. Held at the Betsy Ross house where the 1st American flag was sewn. Held in the nations first capital (and also Pennsylvania's 1st capital) on the 4th of July. Pretty cool. Rubes enjoyed the attention and got that it was something special, but I think later on the significance of it all will sink in.

Excited to see the balloons.

Happy girl

The kids made these cute little clothes pin dolls

Proud Momma with her "baby".

Lots of costumed actors and "officials". LOL, Rubes said "Mommy, look! Pirate hats!" Luckily, she saw them and made this comment before the ceremony. :-)

10 of the 13 kids receiving citizenship.

13 star flag

Betsy Ross House. Small, but rich in history. We were able to tour the place b4 the ceremony started.

Flag procession

All the kids sat in the front row with the parents in the back. Rubes would peak back at us but did a good job staying in her seat and paying attention to a ceremony that had to be a bit hard to comprehend.

Um, it might have been a good idea to tell Rubes about raising her right arm. All the kids raised their right hand for both the Pledge of Allegiance and an oath they had to say. Well, Rubes saw all the kids raise their hand so she did too.....but, ooops, it was her LEFT hand! Also crossed her left hand over her chest instead of over her heart. I tried to get her attention to no avail. Oh, well. She tried!

Proud lil citizen with her certificate

I think she somehow got it. There were a lot of really nice speeches welcome the kids and congratulating them on becoming citizens and wishing them well.

Ruby's turn at the bell ringing ceremony

Bummer this one's blurry, but had to post it as it's the only family shot. Jeff was busy video taping the whole thing. Got some great footage, too!

Walked around and lunch afterwards at the trendy Continental. Glad this kid eats anywhere!

Walking the city with my girl!

Mom and Rubes LOVE the city. Gotta get there more often!

The lil miss thought the old cobblestone streets where oh so fun and "bumpy" to walk on.

A very cool way to spend the 4th and a great way for a kid to become a US Citizen. She's legal! The long wait (and paper work haul) is close to over! (Still waiting for the Thai gov to send us an invite to the consulate and we are applying for her SS card this week). But hey, this was a pretty big deal so we are thrilled!

To Ruby: We are so so proud of you sweet pea!!!!