Happy Independence Day!

We had a great 4th of July this year! It actually started on the 2nd, when we decided to do a test run with the fireworks and the boys. Micah was asleep before it began, and Kolton hated it and asked to go to bed. Wes and I enjoyed them with my mom, Melinda, and Jesse, who came over for our short show. It was a beautiful night, and it was really fun.
The morning of the 3rd, we rose bright and early to watch the hot air balloon launch in Provo. We had to go a day early this year because Wes had a volleyball tournament on the 4th. It was fun. We arrived just as they were launching. The boys loved it. Here is a picture of their cute faces as they watched the balloons. Aren't they adorable?

Faces of awe and surprise. They were fascinated. It was really fun to spend the early morning hours together our in the rising sun, watching the beautiful balloons. The wind wasn't cooperating, so the contests and games that the balloons participated in were cut short. That was good though, because Wes made it back just in time to go to work. The boys took a long, early nap, and I was able to accomplish a few things at home. It was nice.
After Wes got home, we hopped on our bikes and rode over to my parents' house for Jesse's 12th birthday party. We played on the giant waterslide, and ate delicious, juicy rib eye steaks (thanks Mom!) and potatoes, and garden fresh salad. After that, we did presents because the babies kept "helping" Jesse unwrap, and it was getting hard to hide what they were. He got lots of fun things, and my parents gave him an electric scooter, which has already racked up the miles! We have all enjoyed it. Jesse's always offering to come over and drop something off for my mom or me. He also takes the babies on rides, which they love. Anyway, after the presents, we did fireworks, which Micah once again slept through, and Kolton, once again, went to bed shortly after they started. Poor little guy. He gets it from me. I remember being 8 or 9 and telling my parents that I liked watching the fireworks better from over here (inside the house). Hopefully he'll grow out of it faster than me.
The 4th was awesome! Wes was up and out of bed early to get to Park City, where the tournament was. The boys and I slept in, and then we got up, got ready, and took off. Jesse came with us. We arrived right before they finished playing in the first pool. They went undefeated, and had a couple matches left to play for one of the top 4 spots. My camera ran out of batteries at the balloon launch, and I forgot to bring it to the tournament altogether. I'll have to post pics of the next one. Anyway, they played awesome! They took 2nd and lost the 1st place by 2 points. They really could've won, and they were a little frustrated when they found out the winning team got golf passes to Park City. But it was a great improvement from the last tourney, and I know they can win next time. Way to go, Babe!
After we got home, we put the boys down, freshened up, and headed out to Sandy to Wes's grandparent's house. They live right above the city hall, so we gather there every year to watch the beautiful fireworks display the city puts on. It was fun to see everyone, and Kolton loved the big fireworks. He still talks about them all the time!
We rented "Dan in Real Life" Saturday, and loved it! One of the best movies I've seen in awhile. All in all, a fun holiday weekend. On a more serious note, I wanted to express my great love and appreciation for this beautiful country we live in. I am so proud to be an American, and so grateful for all of the wonderful freedoms and opportunities we have. I am so very grateful for our military, and for the AMAZING work and sacrificing they do, to keep our country safe. They represent so much of what we stand for, and I thank all of them from the bottom of my heart. God bless you! Also, I am grateful that I not only get the opportunity to live in America, but also in Utah, where our culture is so centered around our religion. It makes it such a nice place to live. I don't know how I got so lucky, but I sure am glad I did, and I will never take it for granted. I know it's been hard for many people lately, with the new Presidential campaign, the oil prices, and the economy, the war in Iraq, but we truly are blessed people, and living in a promised land. We have so many opportunities to give, grow, learn, and serve. I am so thankful for that. I love you, America!