Betsy Ross Would Be Proud

One morning a few weeks ago I was walking by the girls' bathroom when Ava called out to me and asked me to come in. She was getting ready to brush her teeth.

"Look Dad," she said. "See what I do with the toothpaste? I use the different colors to make an American flag. Isn't that cool?"

I have no idea what compelled her to do this, it happened well before any talk of Independence Day or Old Glory occurred in our house, although she has been enjoying the new season of Army Wives.

Whatever the motivation, it seemed like a perfect image to kick off a week that ends with July 4 and a long weekend that has always been my favorite of the year, because it falls right around my birthday.

Unfortunately that day is seeming less and less a motivation to celebrate, although I have to admit having the opportunity clearly beats the alternative.