Fourth Of July Celebration

Speaking of the day the Declaration of Independence was signed John Adams said "it will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward for evermore." Let me just start out by saying that best place to be for the 4th is in Idaho Falls. I look forward to the 4th of July celebration all year. I love the patriotism that is felt on this day. I also love how, in Idaho, it can be 80+ degrees on friday, and saturday, when we celebrated it, you woke up and could see your breath outside. It was FREEZING in the morning, but luckily got a warmer towards the end of the day!

-Letter to Mrs. Adams
 

Yesterday was a fun and crazy celebration. It started out with a very yummy breakfast and flag raising ceremony at the church. Then it was off to my 10 year class reunion. We had a lot of fun and it was fun to see people that I hadn't seen for a very long time!

After the reunion we went over to my mom and dads house and watched them shave that cat. I know, random... but it was kinda funny to watch everyone holding the cat while it was shaved. (the poor cat had the hair on his back so matted, that there was nothing else to be done!)
After that is was on down to the Green belt to stake out our spot to watch the fireworks!

This is how Conner spent the day. He wasn't feeling well with a runny nose and watery eyes and a little fever. We just gave him lots of loves and tylenol. But he was a trooper and even gave us a couple of smiles.

While waiting for the fireworks, Joel liked to "Share" his cousins trike with her and had fun riding all over!

                                Joel had more food than ever!

Grandma holding and snuggling a sleeping Conner

My cutie playing hippie!

Joel playing with his cousins

Then, the big moment arrived! Fireworks! Joel loved them and actually stayed awake to see them! He told me that he "lobed" (loved) the big fireworks, and he "lobed" the little fireworks, and he "lobed" the shiny fireworks too!

To end it all, I thought this was a little funny, but very true:

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

I love celebrating the 4th with my family, and being thankful for the freedoms that we are given in this blessed land. I thank our forefathers for the things that they fought so hard for, and gave up so much for, and all of the people who try to make our land one of freedom and liberty.