4th of July moments

I just posted a slide show of our family vacation to Utah over the 4th of July holiday. I had so many fun pictures that I couldn't decide which to post. The slide show made it easier!! Here's a little commentary to accompany the pictures:

On our way to Utah we stopped at Bryce Canyon. It was THE most perfect day to do so. I don't consider myself much of a picture taker but I really liked the shots I got. The sky was such a gorgeous blue and the fluffy clouds made for fail-proof pictures. And yes, we did feed the animals. Why is it that kids cannot resist the cute little trail creatures that beg for a cracker??

Once we were at my Dad's, one of the first things I did was visit my Mom. I got a sweet smile from her that absolutely made my day! Oh how I pray she knew I was there and that my arms were wrapped around her. I took her to the commons area and played some Hymns for her. I love to do that for her. Mom, I love you. Your mansions await.

Our schedule was packed from then on:
- drive in with the cousins and swimming in their new pool
- working on Scout projects with Grandpa in his shop
- Cherry Hill water slide
- family BBQ at my brother's home. Jim is always so great about opening his home and inviting us all in. Being with my brothers and their families was the highlight for me.
- my kids playing Wii to their hearts content. Cooper took Jamie down in a boxing match!!
- fourwheelin' is always a must
- my Dad's delicious dutch oven ribs and chocolate cherry cake
- picking yummy fresh berries from my dad's garden
- Davis threw a baseball through one of Grandpa's windows. This is a first for us. I consider that pretty incredible given the amount of time we spend playing ball. That turned out to be an extra $100 we didn't have planned for the trip.
- celebrating the 4th!! My little hometown parade made me so happy!
- the patriotic flyover gives me such amazing chills!! My heart is full of gratitude.
- a fun evening of street fireworks and sparklers in Provo with the Penningtons
-watching the Stadium of Fire fireworks from the comfort of their lawn and again feeling the power of another flyover!! In the words of our little three year old friend Bennett, "it shook the whole earth!"
- we were close enough that we could hear Miley Cyrus and the Blue Man Group perform
- enjoyed the incredible french toast at Kneaders in Provo for breakfast. It should be a must on anyone's list
-took a little detour up the canyon and stopped at Bridal Veil Falls to cool us off
-the sound of the Provo river rolling by made me very emotional. It was a comforting and beautiful sound.
-hung out on BYU's campus and spent an undisclosed amount of money at the bookstore
-Brent was able to further his brainwashing of our children
-lunch at the Brick Oven topped off an wonderful trip!!

And that about sums it up!
For me the 4th of July holiday is best in Utah surrounded by cool evening temps and my family!!