July 4th 2011

We were jumping with activity this last July.  We celebrated Independence Day the way all good Americans do - with fireworks, a parade, licorice, salt water taffy, and hot bursts of country love and gratitude.  Abbey and our grandchildren were especially fun to be with and we watched the day through their eyes. Unfortunately, Brett sprained his ankle a few days before the holiday, so he either had to hop along with the activities or sit them out.  Our family loves the traditions of the day and we enjoyed being together in spite of the July heat and the sticky sunscreen.

Highlights of our 4th of July:

Definite highlights were buying light sabers for my grandsons (and Abbey) and watching the Centerville fireworks show while cuddling with my invalid hubby who braved the crowds in spite of the crutches.

 Yes, the licorice was enjoyed by everyone.

 Did you know licorice could be functional as well as tasty?

Even the five month old had a short taste!

The crowd was WILD for parade action . . . well, maybe wild is too strong of a word.

Kimball loved the opening of the parade the best.  Floats and bands just can't compete with police sirens, fire trucks, actual policemen, a red flamed sheriff's car, and F-16 jets doing a fly over.

 Abbey loves being an aunt!

Jared kept his little bundle away from the sunshine and got some good cuddles in the process.

The boys were thrilled when they saw the same green car they had seen at the car show in the park a few days before.

Our Bountiful Stonecreek Stake had a beautiful float entry (way to go Pam!) and actually won the Ensign Award at the Salt Lake Days of 47' Parade a few days later.

This was Kimball's brilliant invention.  About half way through the parade he got tired of holding his bag of salt water taffy that had been thrown from parade entries, so he came up with his "Taffy Backpack."

 It even got the big brother's approval!

Well, Millie's mug says it all:  It was a sweet, sweet day, and as we watched the American flag wave in our front yard we felt grateful to be able to display our heritage, our nationality, and our freedom so proudly.  Before living in the Middle East we took that for granted.  I really like this quote from Erma Bombeck:

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.  - Erma Bombeck