Saturday, July 10, 2010

My country tis of thee...

I love, love, love the fourth of July! In all honesty, i love our celebrations of the 4th more so than Christmas! Between Jason and I, we rotate our family celebrations with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even Easter, just to try and minimize the "stress" of being to both families. However, there is no negotiating with the 4th. It's crazy and hectic, and I love every minute of it!

Our celebrations start in the small town of Mt. Pleasant, UT. We either camp the night of the 3rd or just drive down the early hours of the 4th. This year, Taylorann went down on the 3rd with aunt Janni and miss ab's. J was brave enough to take 3 of Nisha's girls as well as abby and tay to the Rodeo!! thank you J!!!

Jason, Karson, Jaxon and I woke up around 0530 and headed out about 0600. The drive was beautiful. We went through Thistle Canyon which we haven't done for years. Both Karson and Jaxon stayed awake the whole drive!

We got to the park just in time to see janni, tay and abs. Mom, dad, Grandma B, riss and rand. Nisha, Steve and the other girls were on their way. Deon and her crew were there. Clark and Daralyn came also. It's tradition to eat breakfast at the park. Mom and Dad pay for each of us and our families. It seems the community rotates every year who will serve, This year was the IHC hospital employees. Pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, sausage, juice and milk!! YUMMMM


After breakfast we cruise the park checking out the different booths and concessions. This year mom, janni and abs did the spray on tat's. Abby had fun riding the mechanical bull!!



Now we head to aunt Deon's to get ready for the parade. I took Tay and Kars with me, while Jason stayed home with Jax for a much needed nap! They have a children's parade which Rissa, Randa, Madison and Kayla got to ride in this year. They had their bikes all decked out. Kay went about half way, once she passed us she flipped a U-E and said she was done! The "real" parade started at 11:30. By this time, everyone's arrived Brett, Justin and Kayle and their families. Chan and her clan. And this year...sweet aunt Carol made it. What a blessing to have her and her daughter and SIL!

We stand with hand on heart to honor the flag and the soldier's who carry it! It's hard to keep the tears away! Uncle Erwin rides on the vehicle with the "town vets". GOD BLESS AMERICA and GOD BLESS THE SOLDIERS THAT SERVE HER!!

This is a small town parade so they still throw candy. We were all so excited to see Uncle Erwin throwing the Salt Water taffy!! Thinking he was gonna "hook us up!" (note to uncle E. have a pair of scissors handy next year so you can get the bag open!! those 3 pieces you threw out didn't go too far!!)

The parade ends and it's back to aunt deon's for food prep and water fun. Aunt D has an irragation ditch that run's through the front yard. The kids love it!! Jax got in on the fun this year!! Lunch was perfect as always. Marinated Moroni Turkey, salads, fruit, home made root beer and of course, dessert!!




After some great fun, we pack up and get ready for more of it!! On our way to Salt Lake! Sterling and Elaine (Jason's brother's in-law's) live just above Sugarhouse Park. This is perfect cuz we get both great seating for the fireworks as well as reserved parking. This year is year 15 that Elaine has hosted such a grand event. We have been going for 13 years having missed only one time. There has to be no less than 40 guests at their home. Not to mention the 2 or 3 plates Elaine dishes and delivers to "in-bound" friends!!




Dinner was scrumptious! Sloppy joes, fruit, veggies, salads and amazing desserts. Uncle Russ leads the kids in games and a pre-firework, firework show! The kids are paired up for a balloon toss. Laryssa and Jax weren't too concerned about catching the balloons as they were about, holding, squeezing, tossing, and biting them!!

Now it's time to move to the front lawn for the grand display!! This is the time Sterling busts out the popsicles! He has a big ol' bowl full and everyone chooses their favorite flavor or color. YUMMY!!


The evening ends and although we tried to get on the road before the crowd, we finally make it home at 1230!! Another fun, safe and amazing holiday, celebrated and enjoyed by all!

Thank you to all my family members who have served in the military. Air Force, Marines, Utah Army Natinal Guard, and Air National Guard!! I have watched as you fight for the freedoms I enjoy. Whether you've fought these battles here on the homefront or abroad, to you...I salute and honor!!

1 comment:

Grandma K said...

What a fun and busy day!! So glad we have the freedom to do all the wonderful things we choose to do. What a great country we live in!