It's still July...

...so while I've still got time, I'm posting my Fourth of July pictures.  The 4th was so fun this year.  I've lived in Provo for about 6 years now and somehow I missed out on all the traditional festivities that go on for the 4th of July.  It just so happened that our apartment is right in the heart of all the activities, so we couldn't help but participate this year.  Once I found out how many things were going on, I booked our whole weekend so that we wouldn't miss anything.  Unfortunately we weren't able to do it all, but what we did was fun. 

The weekend started off Friday with a neighborhood block party, which was really refreshing.  It was nice to get outside and just see all of our neighbors.  We really live in a great place.  I decided that wherever David and I end up permenantly, I want to try to start doing neighborhood block parties.  It's just such a good way to get to know the people around you.   

Eating dinner at the block party.  Everyone brought their own meat to grill, and then something else to share, pot-luck style.  There was some yummy food!

 

That night we went to the carnival that was on the corner of Center Street and University Avenue.  It was kinda fun to just walk around and see all the different booths.  That place was hoppin' all weekend long. 

Saturday morning we went to see the hot air balloons launch from Bulldog Field.  We went with friends from our ward, Darci and Joe Hill.  It was pretty early, so to get everyone up and excited we grabbed donuts from the Provo Bakery.  (I'm not sure that everyone was quite awake after that, and I think we all went home and went back to sleep for a while!)  We ended up getting there a little late so most of the balloons had already launched.  I guess we didn't take our camera so unfortunately I don't have pictures of the Darth Vadar balloon or Smokey the Bear, but rest assured, they were pretty cool (even though Darth Vadar only barely got off the ground).

Sunday was pretty much just a regular Sunday.  We did decide to go on a walk that afternoon and see how things were shaping up for the Grand Parade.  So, I really don't know how I've lived in Provo this long and didn't realize how big of an event this is!  Provo goes crazy for the 4th of July parade.  Signs were up telling people what times they were allowed to start saving places, and cops were patrolling the streets enforcing.  People were allowed to start saving spots on University on Sunday afternoon so we thought we'd take a stroll over there and take a look.  Seriously, a little village had popped up!  There were tents, blow up matresses, flat-screen tvs, game systems, stereos, coolers, camping chairs, couches...pretty much you name it, they had it!  I was pretty blown away.  And here I was thinking I could go out Monday morning and snag a spot!  No way.  Fortunately we found some friends from our ward who were saving a big spot for lots of friends and we joined them Monday morning. 

So Monday morning we got up and headed over to our friends house, they were having a breakfast before the parade so we brought something to share, and enjoyed some yummy food.  Then we watched the Grand Parade.  It was fun.  Caitlin and Isaac came to sit with us, as well as the Hills.
 

 After the parade, David and Isaac went golfing while Caitlin and I went shopping and got ready for our BBQ.  When they got back, we grilled up some burgers and had a good time with the Mortensens, Craguns, and Hixsons.  I made a patriotic cake to share with everyone, and if I must say so myself, it was pretty dang yummy.  I think I ate half the cake myself, easy.



 

Happy Fourth of July!



 All in all it was a great weekend.  It was a great time to spend with family and friends and also to celebrate this great country that we live in.  I feel very blessed to be able to enjoy so many freedoms.  I'm grateful that we have a holiday to celebrate how wonderful this country is, and I'm thankful for all the people who continue to protect our freedoms.