Independence Day

We had a very fun and busy 4th of July.

 Trent and Trenton started their day super early and went to put American flags up in the yards of those who participated in the scout fundraiser.  They were up-and-at-em at 5:30 that morning.  After getting all the flags up, Trent headed over to the church to start flipping pancakes for our ward breakfast.  I got the kids up and ready, loaded their decorated bikes and selves into the car, then we went over to the church too, to scarf down a yummy pancake breakfast.  Afterward, all the kids hopped on their bikes and rode around in the parade.  There was also a fire engine there for the perusal of all.  The best though was at the end when they opened up the fire hose and everyone got to run and play in the water.  My kids were all drenched from head to toe!  They loved it!

 After the breakfast, we headed home to gear up for some fun at the pool.  I didn't get any photos while at the pool, but after about 4 hours there, Buds was exhausted.

Next up was the Rapids game.  Had to get a photo of Trenton next to Trenton St. :)  Jilly was in a kissy mood at the game.  Buds always loves to cuddle up to grandpa.

 We ended up getting to go down onto the field for the fireworks.  We've only ever gone to the Rockies games to see the fireworks on the 4th of July, but this year we decided to check out a soccer game instead.  The fireworks after the Rapids game were every bit as good as the ones at Coors Field.

 Jilly was fascinated for the first couple of minutes, then she decided she had seen enough.  She was a good sport though, especially with the long day we had.  After the game, we ended up sitting in the parking lot for close to an hour, just waiting to exit.  We got home around midnight.  I wish I had taken a picture of all the kids in the backseat.  They were out like lights.  It was wonderful being able to spend so much time with our family for the holiday.  And we never complain when Trent has a day off.  And boy are we ever thankful to all of those who fought, and still fight for our freedom.  We are so blessed to live in a country where we have so many freedoms.

Happy Independence Day!

I have many memories of the 4th of July from when I was growing up. They mostly consist of my dad and uncle Mike doing very dangerous things with fireworks. Oh, and the trips across the border to Wyoming to get the "good stuff". I remember always being excited about it being the 4th of July, and waiting in anticipation for the fireworks to begin, but I also remember always feeling a little terrified at the same time. You see, my dad and his younger brother, Mike, just couldn't seem to follow any of the guidelines when it came to lighting fireworks. They always had to come up with their own, very unsafe ways of igniting them. Instead of setting the firework on the ground, away from anything that's flammable, they would proceed to light it while holding it, then once it was lit, they would randomly throw it, and you never knew where it might land (or if one of them was going to lose any fingers, or limbs for that matter). I'm sure our neighbors were just thrilled to live near us on the 4th of July. (Especially the one who's lawn caught on fire do to said unsafe lighting and handling.) The first 4th of July after Trenton was born, my uncle Mike and his family came over from Utah for a visit. The night of the 4th, we got our lawn chairs all set up and ready to watch the fireworks "display". I think I ended up in the house with Trenton not too long after it started. The fireworks rushing through the air right past my head were enough to freak me out. I didn't want my little two month old losing an eye or anything. Well, our home firework shows are a little more tame now, but still a lot of fun. We celebrated a little early last night and set off some fireworks in the street in front of our house. The kids get so excited. This was the first year that Preston really got into the fun of fireworks. He loved being able to wave the sparklers around, which, BTW, Trent was freaking out about the whole time. He proceeded to inform me this morning that he had heard on the radio that sparklers can get up to 1000 degrees, and that it is not recommended that you give them to your children. He said, "That's hotter than a curling iron, and I know you wouldn't hand the kids a hot curling iron to play with." Okay honey, you rest your case. But I'm still going to let my kids have sparklers on the 4th of July. What is a 4th of July without sparklers for Heaven's sake!
We had an opportunity to talk to our kids, over a breakfast of red, white, and blue, this morning about the many freedoms we enjoy. We told them a little bit of the history of why we celebrate Independence Day. While Trent and I were discussing with them some of our freedoms and how blessed we are to live in this country, I almost felt ashamed for how much I take for granted. I felt so overwhelmed with gratitude for all that I have. I am so grateful to live in a country where we have the opportunities of education. Reading is one of my favorite past times, and I can't imagine going through my life without being able to read. I am grateful for the freedom to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Where would I be without the knowledge I have of the gospel of Jesus Christ? It scares me to even think about it. I am grateful that I don't have to live in fear for my life at every moment. I am very grateful for all of those, both now and who have gone before, that have fought for our freedom and our safety. I am proud to be able to call myself an American, and I love this land in which I live. Happy Independence Day!