4th of July, 2011
I consider myself very patriotic. I don't think I've ever heard the National Anthem and not got a tear in my eye. Many things go through my mind, but I inevitably think of my Savior, who fought for freedom long ago. I am reminded when Christ stood up in heaven and battled with us for agency there, when he came to this earth and fought for our spiritual freedom here (in the Garden of Gethsemene), and ultimately are physical freedom over death (on the cross and in his resurrection at the Garden Tomb). I know that he continues to fight for our freedom and agency by helping us make good choices, which ultimately frees us from sin and its ugly consequences. Many people have gone before us fighting for the same principle, many died along the way to give us the ability to have that right of choice. I'm grateful for a land that was preserved and held up by God's mighty hand, and all the sacrifices and lives that made this country possible. I love my country and the freedoms that we share, especially for the ability to worship as I believe. I love saying the Pledge of Allegiance, putting my hand over my heart, and feeling the warm assurance that this country is under God's hand. There are not many things in this world greater than the gift of freedom and I will always cherish that blessing. May God always bless America!
My hubby also loves his country and has served it for the last 20 years. He's been to over 17 countries in that time, and swears that America is far greater than any other. He proudly puts on his uniform and does what he can for Uncle Sam in the small way that he can. (But through small and simple things, are great things brought to pass.) :) Frank believes in this country, sweats for his country, and endures for this country. He honors it by upholding the Declaration of Independence (framed by the Constitution) and stands for truth and right in all things. If there is one thing he doesn't like--it's injustice. He too cries at the National Anthem.
My hubby also loves his country and has served it for the last 20 years. He's been to over 17 countries in that time, and swears that America is far greater than any other. He proudly puts on his uniform and does what he can for Uncle Sam in the small way that he can. (But through small and simple things, are great things brought to pass.) :) Frank believes in this country, sweats for his country, and endures for this country. He honors it by upholding the Declaration of Independence (framed by the Constitution) and stands for truth and right in all things. If there is one thing he doesn't like--it's injustice. He too cries at the National Anthem.Well, we decided to do something different this year. We got away from the BIG city of Vegas and searched out the smallest little town nearby (1.5 hrs away) to join in a more cozy celebration of our Independence. They have a population of just under 1000 and it is in the middle of nowhere! It is truly a deserted place!
Frankie and Michelle decided they would come too. It was great being with them.
Gabriel was happy that when we got there, we actually knew some people. There was about 7 other families from our ward who showed up, because some of them are from there. :) He played bocce and volleyball. 
Kela had a great time eating her small town BBQ, and she really enjoyed "people watching."
Noah found lots of little kids to play with and they actually even shared their sparklers with him. He was trying to get me to take a picture of one, but it went out too fast (so here he has his disappointed face because I missed it LOL).
Dad played a little sucker pull game and won me a wand and a stuffed animal. I gave the animal away to a little girl (or else it would have ended up at DI). He also won Kela a little stuffed bunny (which she carries with her everywhere she goes).
While we were waiting for it to get dark, we had a bean bag toss competition with some members in our ward. We sat about 20 yards apart from each other, but it was hard, because the rule was you couldn't get out of your seat. Plus, kids kept running in between and they became difficult obstacles. hahaha! Unfortunately, we lost more than we won. :(
Frank was happy to get to hang out with his buddies for a while. He loves them tremendously.
Then it got dark and we watched fireworks. The show was good, and the finale shot right over our head, which rained down beautifully on us. Next year we plan to go up earlier so that we see the parade and all other games and festivities. It's actually a full weekend of fun. We only came for the BBQ and fireworks this year. It felt good to get away from the big city and just slow down and relax with great family and friends (although Brandon didn't make it, because he had plans with his roommate to grill out).
Frankie and Michelle decided they would come too. It was great being with them.
Gabriel was happy that when we got there, we actually knew some people. There was about 7 other families from our ward who showed up, because some of them are from there. :) He played bocce and volleyball. Kela had a great time eating her small town BBQ, and she really enjoyed "people watching."
Noah found lots of little kids to play with and they actually even shared their sparklers with him. He was trying to get me to take a picture of one, but it went out too fast (so here he has his disappointed face because I missed it LOL).
Dad played a little sucker pull game and won me a wand and a stuffed animal. I gave the animal away to a little girl (or else it would have ended up at DI). He also won Kela a little stuffed bunny (which she carries with her everywhere she goes).
While we were waiting for it to get dark, we had a bean bag toss competition with some members in our ward. We sat about 20 yards apart from each other, but it was hard, because the rule was you couldn't get out of your seat. Plus, kids kept running in between and they became difficult obstacles. hahaha! Unfortunately, we lost more than we won. :(
Frank was happy to get to hang out with his buddies for a while. He loves them tremendously.
Then it got dark and we watched fireworks. The show was good, and the finale shot right over our head, which rained down beautifully on us. Next year we plan to go up earlier so that we see the parade and all other games and festivities. It's actually a full weekend of fun. We only came for the BBQ and fireworks this year. It felt good to get away from the big city and just slow down and relax with great family and friends (although Brandon didn't make it, because he had plans with his roommate to grill out).Happy 4th and happy birthday to my mom who is born on this special day too!!!!!!!!
2 comments:
How did you get such good shots of the fireworks? I tried taking them with my camera, but they sucked. I have a good camera too (SLR). Go ahead and say it..."user error" I know I'm stupid
Awesome firework pics! I was so mad cause I don't have a tripod yet and I meant to ask my dad to borrow his but I forgot. I was hoping to find a place that I could use to "make due" but couldn't so all my shots turned out blurry =( Maybe next year!
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