Independence Day 2014

July 10, 2014

Independence Day 2014

4th of July this year was WONDERFUL. I seriously had such a fun weekend. We started Friday morning off the with Freedom Festival parade in Provo. Jesse gathered together some cadets to march in the parade. Kim, Pa, Jon and I went bright and early to see him. I haven't been to a parade in years, so it was fun to see the fun stuff again! Except for the fact that it was just about a bajillion degrees outside and there were so many people everywhere.. maybe that's why it's been so long since I have been to one! ;) After the parade we went to Jesse's to eat Kim's famous waffles! And then just a couple hours later we hit up Slab Pizza with my siblings. We even took a break from our no wheat diet to have that delightful pizza :) I took the worlds best nap then got ready for the Stadium of Fire!

Chris got awesome seats from his work for him, Kim, Mark, Jon and I. Yep. Just me and the in-laws, no Jesse. Haha. He didn't really want to go and they were expensive… and he had to be there that night to clean the stadium anyway. So, I went with them and it was awesome. It was inspirational, entertaining, funny, and so great because of CARRIE UNDERWOOD. I love her so much. She was amazing!! I thoroughly enjoyed singing at the top of my lungs with her :)

After it was over, I met Jesse to help him and the other cadets clean the stadium. Jesse needed me to stay at their table and make sure everyone signed in and no one stole the food and stuff… luckily another wife was there to keep me entertained. The first two hours weren't so bad… but the next three were draaaagggging. We didn't get home until 4:30 am… what?! When is the last time we stayed up past 1 o clock am? Years. So, you could say I was a sleepy girl. But honestly, anything is fun with J. I love random adventures with him. Like riding a golf cart from the stadium to the detachment at 4 in the morning.

Saturday the 5th was Miranda's birthday! We slept in until like noon and then went to the Scera pool with them. Relaxing in the sun with my faves… perfect way to spend a Saturday. Especially when a snow cone is involved!

After a wonderful time at church on Sunday we came home and had a birthday BBQ for Brent before he had to go back to Seattle, followed by hours of scum, of course. A couple hours later we had another whole dinner with Jesse's family to celebrate Pa's birthday! Dinner, beach planning meeting, badminton, baseball, and then after everyone left, Jesse and I stayed and hung out with Kim, Pa and Jon for hours outside. Telling jokes, doing random yoga poses, eating cereal… it was fantastic. I am so grateful for our amazing families!

It was a WONDERFUL weekend. I got to spend it all with my better half and our families. I am so grateful for our freedom and that we are lucky enough to live in this country.

Sweet Marianne saved us a spot with her family!

Some of the ROTC boys got the honor of walking in the parade with the flag. As soon as they started walking everyone stood, put their hands over their hearts, and everything was silent. It was such a special moment. I honestly got a little teary-eyed, it was so cool. I was so proud to live in this country in that moment. We are so blessed. I am grateful my husband has made the choice to serve our country!