We enjoyed a wonderful Fourth of July day with friends, neighbors, and fellow patriots. We woke up early and headed to Provo for the hot air balloon festival in the morning. There's something exciting about waking up pre-dawn's early light in order to participate in festivities. It's like the extra effort of pulling yourself from a nice slumber makes the activity more worthwhile - because not everyone is willing to do it. I just love how the balloons are illuminated once the sun peaks over the mountaintops.
With us being in Provo already Jeff took the opportunity to fit in a bit of skateboarding at his favorite park. Fun to watch him with all the balloons floating around.
After this we met the Rutters and the Thuets for breakfast at Kneaders where we enjoyed their signature chunky cinnamon french toast. So good! Jeff and I listened to the Hamilton soundtrack while driving to and from activities, which resulted in us humming and singing this the remainder of the day:
"Meet him inside! Meet him inside!
Meet him inside, meet him, meet him inside!"
In the afternoon we went swimming and played Kan Jam and spike ball. Then we had a most delicious BBQ at home with Jake and Jen. The BBQ chicken we grilled on our Traeger grill. which has been so much fun to cook with, was phenomenal! We used the BBQ sauce from R&R BBQ restaurant and it is so dang good. Sweet with a little spicy kick! Along with our hand-shucked corn, quinoa salad, watermelon, and Old Glory cheesecake it was a meal very fitting for America's birthday celebration.
Later in the evening Jeff and I sat on our porch enjoying the warm evening air and listening to the quiet stillness of our neighborhood. It was a nice contrast to the rumpus that would follow later when fireworks started being lit off all around the valley.
As we went to sleep we could hear the celebratory booms of fireworks echoing late into the night. I thought of the people who helped shaped this country - those early colonists who celebrated with cannon and gun fire after winning their independence and the right to govern themselves. I’m grateful to live in this country and have the opportunity to leave my own positive mark on history. Also grateful for the chance to celebrate our freedoms each year! God bless America!
