Miss Independent Independence

There are many events we look forward to participating in during Provo's annual  Freedom Festival.  While high winds canceled the lift-off of the hot air balloons we had waken early to see, and government sequestration of funds grounded all Air Force planes from doing any sort of fly-overs, we still had ample opportunity to celebrate and show pride for our country, being sure to remember the sacrifices made to secure the freedoms we generally take for granted.  Even though the skies were empty and quiet on the morning of the fourth of July, there was plenty going on at the parade.  Oh, and of course there was adequate excitement during the evening at the Stadium of Fire where we were able to enjoy a concert with Carly Rae Jepsen opening for Kelley Clarkson.  An elaborate display of fireworks added the final exclamation point to an exciting day spent with our family.

Before the parade began, a street vendor passed by 

blowing giant bubbles that were too tempting to pop.

We managed to nab the same spot we did last year at the front of the 

street near the parade's beginning.  It has proven to be the best location 

for two years running.  Hopefully we can be just as lucky next year.

I was so thrilled that Kelly Clarkson was the

 headliner for this year's event.  She really is 

The American Idol.  I'm telling you, that girl can sing!

The pre-concert performances by the Stadium of Fire Dancers and 

Cirque Du Soleil were equally amazing.  What an incredible show!

This post authored by Amber

Celebrating America

The Fourth of July is quite the event around these parts.  Provo's Freedom Festival is a celebration that I believe is unmatched by most of the country.  As a family, we try to take in as many of the events offered as possible, because I want to leave an impression upon my children that living in this country and enjoying the freedoms it has to offer is a big deal--a very big deal--and certainly one worth celebrating.  I hope that the excitement and fun my children experience will eventually translate into feelings of patriotism and respect and loyalty for our country.  I also secretly hope that one day they will feel, as I do, that the single most exhilarating and awesome event of any Fourth of July celebration is this:

What was cool about Provo's Freedom Festival this year is that they did a flyover for the parade and the fireworks.  Even so, the roaring of jets so low to the ground that you can feel it vibrate in your chest is something that I could never get enough of.

Oh, and I do like all of this other stuff, too:

We got up early to watch the hot air balloons lift off from Fox field.

Ella thought it was pretty neat when the balloons lifted off the ground.

After the balloons, we nabbed a spot near the very

 front of the parade route. Jason picked up some McDonald's

for breakfast, and we ate while we waited for the parade to start.

We managed to be close enough to the front of the road

for a good view and where children could run out to

grab candy or a high-five from a beloved Cosmo.

       

We finished the night in true celebratory fashion as we watched

 the fireworks from Provo High School's football field.

This post authored by Amber



How We Celebrated Freedom

We are blessed not only to live in a country where freedoms abound, but where the land itself is something remarkable to behold.With sights such as these, it's no wonder people traveled in search of a promised land, and then gave their all to preserve and protect it.  And for our family, we fully enjoyed it.

We celebrated the fourth of July by stirring from our beds before the sun rose and traveled to the mountain majesties for a day of fishing at Co-op Creek. And when the fishing didn't prove successful (for us, at least), the boys turned to rock throwing and bug collecting, and I sat comfortably in my chair listening to the sound of the creek gushing into the lake and feeling the sun on my face and arms.  It was a good, peaceful feeling, and it made me feel grateful to live in this blessed and beautiful land.

This post authored by Amber

A New View

Equipped with glowsticks, insect repellent, candy, and camp chairs, we set off to find a spot to view the fireworks from outside the Stadium of Fire.  I think we found a new favorite location--the Provo High School football field. Parking was close and easily accessible, space was abundant, and the crowds were more family friendly than those at our old location at Fox Field.  Plus, the view was better.  I'd say it was an all-around cha-ching!

This post authored by Amber

May The Fourth Be With You

Okay so it was actually the 1st of July when we pulled sleepy children (and Mommy) from their beds to get a glimpse of the hot air balloons that were a part of this year's Freedom Festival in Provo, but these same balloons did launch on the 4th as well. Getting up early allowed us to fraternize with the likes of storm troopers, death star pilots, snow troopers, and Darth Vader, himself.  All that, and it wasn't even 7:00 a.m. yet!

 Oh, and there were a bunch of other really cool hot air balloons there, too.

This post authored by Amber

The Bombs Bursting In Air

This year, the celebration of our nation's birth took us to Burger King for a flame-broiled Whopper (what's more American than a big, greasy hamburger, right?).  Following dinner, we headed with Jason's family to the Stadium of Fire where we participated in the largest Eagle Scout induction ceremony, watched spectacular fireworks, and listened to a variety of incredible music.  Oh, and did I mention, we saw Carrie Underwood in concert?! 

Yeah, it was all pretty cool, but I think this will still always be my favorite part of the fourth of July celebrations:  

This post authored by Amber