The 4th Is Strong In This One

The 4th of July, Independence Day in the mainland, Liberation Day here on Saipan.  It was the day the U.S. released (liberated) the indigenous population from internment camps post the WWII U.S. invasion of the Marianas.  Saipan celebrates the liberation with a month long carnival, a crowning of a Liberation Day Queen, and a parade on July 4th.  Families crowd both sides of Beach Road to watch the parade, with some families camped out from the previous night.

My family didn't watch the parade this 4th of July.  The parade was scheduled for the late morning, and frankly, we chose Sunday Mass over getting a good spot on Beach Road.  So instead of enjoying a parade, I said a prayer, in church, for our country's and our islands' soldiers who our defending our liberty.  I prayed for their protection.  I especially singled out my cousins who are deployed in Afghanistan.  I also thanked God for our freedoms, rights bestowed on us citizens of this great country, the United States of America.

After Sunday Mass, instead of bearing the midday July heat trying to catch the last part of the parade, we had brunch at one of our favorite restaurants on Saipan, Coffee Care.  We had banana crepes, along with seafood tacos, and a cheese pizza.  You can't beat that combination!

Here are some photos of my family at Coffee Care.  Mouse over a photo and click on it to see a larger picture.  It's a restaurant with a menu variety my family loves, along with a great view of the lagoon and Managaha.

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The highlight of the day though was my 3 year old son stubbornly eating a lemon slice from his water glass, thinking it was like an orange.  He loves oranges, but we warned him that this was not an orange.  His reaction to the sourness made us laugh and tear, and although he'd grimace with each lick, he was intent on continuing his experience until he finished that lemon slice.  I admire his tenacity.  The force is strong in this one.

Check out the video of this hilarious experience.

The 4th, Coffee Care, my funny son, a great day, and another reason I Luv Saipan!

(hu guaiya hao mama)