Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Let Freedom Ring

I love the Fourth of July. Funny, since I'm Canadian, but even as a little girl I loved to come to Utah for Fourth of July! I even wrote a paper about how American's are more patriotic then Canadians are! Don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be a Canadian, but I'm also proud to be an American!!!!

This year has to rank right up there in the top 3 Fourth of July's we've ever had! It was seriously so fun. All of my family, minus Marilee and my parents were here, and we had some serious plans! Like Stadium of Fire plans. Like Jonas Brothers performing at Stadium of Fire plans!!!!!!!


This is my feeble attemp at getting a picture of my cute kids. Its totally ghetto, but oh well!


The day started off early for many of us as Ryan, Adam, Me, Jackson, Annie, Spencer, Justin and Amber woke up at the crack of dawn to head to Provo for the Freedom Festival 5K run. It was my first race and was so much fun! I finished in about 34 minutes and don't know how I'll even run more than a 5K but I'm determined to do a 10K in October, a half marathon in March and then the Wasatch Back next summer! Anyways, moving on, I was so proud of all the kids and I think they all had a great time running! It was awesome!

On our way down to Provo


After we finished! (pardon my crazy hair)


The Kids. They were a bit tired!


After the race we returned home and while the boys golfed and the kids played quietly we got prepared for the evening festivities!


My Flag Brownies. Its a big pain to make them but its tradition!


After the boys got home from golfing we headed down to Provo for some pre-Stadium of Fire tailgating! It seriously was such a good idea to get down there early, get a good parking spot and grill and eat in the parking lot! We got some strange looks but I guarantee you some of those people will be doing the same thing next year!!!


Ry and Nic


Me and my G-man


Brady reserved a perfect spot for himself in the trunk of the Van. It was super cute!


My babysitter Kirsten with her little sister/Natalie's friend Zoe and Jackson! Thanks to Cathy and Jeff for letting the girls come with us. It was so much fun to have them!


Me and Reecey rocking out to the Jonas Brothers! K, so I thought there would be enough going on that Reece wouldn't be too hard to deal with but I did not anticipate a full on dance party out of her. She LOVED the Jonas Brothers and danced and sang and cheered and clapped the entire time. The fireworks also amazed her and she ooooo'ed and aaaaaaaaah'ed at them too. Half the fun was watching her soak it all in! It was so cute!


And there they are. They were so cute and great performers. Even the dad's, who didn't think they'd love it all that much, enjoyed the concert. But who wouldn't? The boys were awesome and the atmosphere electric. It was a blast!!!


And last but not least, the FABULOUS fireworks show!!!! One of the best I've ever seen.

10 comments:

Marilee said...

Even though I've seen most of the pics, I love looking at them over and over. I'm so glad you all had such a great time and thanks for taking care of my family for me. As for next year, I will DEFINITELY be there for the festivities!

Bonnie said...

Love your post! Sounds like you had so much fun with your family. Good for you for running 5K...I would die!
We went to our very first 4th of July parade this year in Montana. It was awesome! I agree...I love how proud the people of the United States are of their country. It made me sad for Canada Day and the lack of interest of our country:(

Your last post: Poor little Natalie and her arm. I know all too well what it's like to have children with broken limbs and it is heart breaking. And what a bummer to have a cast in the middle of summer! She looks like a little trooper though!

Lindsay said...

Love the 4th! I wish I could have been there to race with you and to see Reece's dance party. It sounds like it was a super great time!

Heather said...

It was so fun! Even though it seemed like we were at the grocery store or making food most of the time, I loved every minute of it! Thanks for hosting and for talking us all in to the tickets for the Jonas Bros! The kids all loved it and so did I.

Wishing for the West Coast said...

What an awesome 4th. Did I mention how much I miss the family. You guys are always having soooo much fun.

Jocelyn said...

That is how to celebrate the 4th!! Much better than what I did (a big fat nothing!). It was fun to read and catch all up on your blog! I was so sad to read about Natalie's elbow... poor girl! She did look really cute on her hospital bed though. Your kids are as cute as ever and it sounds like you are having a great summer! Let's get together again before I move at then beginning of August, please!

McKenna said...

And to think I just sat at home on the fourth, not a firework in sight or sound. What's up with that? I'm really glad that they got something other than country music this year for SOF. Glad you had a good time!

Our family chaos said...

Looks like an amazing day! You go girl with the running. Jackson looks soo handsome with the braces off! Look out girlios! I love that you are Canadian and love the 4th. You are so funny!

Monica said...

hey looks like so much fun for you guys. Your treats look delicious as well.

Nicole said...

Seriously the best fireworks I have ever seen! Hey- I need those pics of the race- send them to me so I can put them in the scrapbook! Thanks for all the food and fun! I can't wait til we're all there in Christmas!