Patriotic Portrait Proofs

A few days before our most recent trip to Oklahoma, a friend asked me how my husband's family members, who were descended directly from those forced to travel the Cherokee Trail of Tears, felt about Independence Day. I don't know of anyone who celebrates July 4 with more enthusiasm and deep rooted patriotism than they do. My mother-in-love's home decor, artwork, gifts of clothing (often handmade) for the family, and July 4 celebrations are over the top because of her genuine love for America and the freedom it represents. Her two oldest sons' decision to serve in the armed forces was probably strongly influenced by their patriotic upbringing. Reference this recent post.

While we were visiting them this summer, my husband's mother scheduled a family photo shoot with a patriotic theme.  She selected the kids' outfits and insisted that we wear red, white, and/or blue.

Here are some of the proofs from that photo session.  It was unbearably hot and humid that day, so please ignore frizzy hair and perspiration droplets.

In the group pic, the boys are waving flags while the girls and the dog are wearing patriotic headbands.

Parents with sons, grandchildren, and entire family