Thursday, July 7, 2011

Let Freedom Ring

I LOVE the 4th of July.  It's my other favorite holiday.  You know, besides Christmas!

Perhaps it's the patriotic feeling I get (which to be quite honest, I don't feel too much of the rest of the year), decking out--head to toe--in red, white and blue, or the magnificent music that truly makes me feel proud to be an American!

But it may be the yummy smells the grill emanates, the splashing and playing in and out of the pool--EVERYONE hops in on this special occasion, or the company of friends and family.

Or maybe it's the spectacular displays of fireworks accompanied by the loud booms that you feel pounding within your own body.  Sometimes I can't help but "ooooo!" and "aaaaaah!" out loud.  And it's always a little disappointing when the fireworks come to an end, but at least I have next year to look forward to!

Let's be honest here, it's all of these!  It started in my childhood--spending time with extended family.  Morning parade.  Suncreen.  Pool time.  Barbeque.  Watermelon.  Corn on the cob.  Popsicles.  Cousins.  Listening to adult conversations.  Cards.  Games.  Water balloons. FUN.

But my all time favorite thing to do on my other favorite holiday was attend (uh um...drum roll) The Stadium of Fire!  Some may not be impressed by this glorious production, held annually at the Lavell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.  But I am thoroughly impressed each and every time I get to go.  Sadly, it has been a few years since I have been able to go as I do not live in Utah anymore, and my husband isn't as awestruck by the production as I am.  But I hope that someday I can start to take my kids to it and help them love this holiday as much as I do.

Some things I love and remember about the Stadium of Fire:
Patriotic presentations
Jets flying really low over the stadium
Stomping our feet on the bleachers
The "wave"
Parachuters
Dancers
The Osmonds
Pledge of Allegiance
Beach Boys
Motorcyclist on the tightrope
Martina McBride
Human cannonballs
Reba McIntire
High diver
FIRE--lots of it!
Music
Candy
Fireworks WITH patriotic music (they are ALWAYS better with patriotic music!)

Well you'd think that I got to go this year since I am talking all about it.  But no.  Not the case.  We did have a fun day though!  A stake breakfast and short presentation, swimming and barbeque with some friends, and fireworks on the grass that evening.  I loved how Mylie kept saying, "Mommy, I'm excited for the fireworks!"  Maybe I can trick her in to loving the 4th as much as I do so we can share in our anticipation and excitement for it in years to come.

Thanks Mom and Dad, for creating such wonderful memories for me.

Happy Independence Day!

It was so hot at the stake breakfast, Mylie attempted to cool herself down with a leaf/




I love this swim outfit.  Thanks Gwama Ameen!


Almost ready to go see fireworks!



6 comments:

Sharron said...

LOL Listen to adult conversation? I loved that when I was a kid too. We went to that fireworks show one year and it is spectacular! and they are way better with the right music!

Mommas said...

How fun. I would LOVE to go to the Stadium of Fire with you sometime. I think I love it more than anyone else in my family too. Adorable children, by the way.

Crystal said...

What cute kids! Is Richie thinking of going to our high school reunion?

Unknown said...

Unfortunately not Crystal! We have to save his vacay days. =(

Mariah said...

I always love seeing the fireworks too. I told Stephen I want to get the kids to the stadium of fire someday. I watched it from outside once and have always wanted to see it from the inside. How are the sick kiddos doing? They been able to recover?

Unknown said...

The kids are actually doing really well! They are both getting better with their coughs. I almost wonder if Michael really have whooping cough...