Let Freedom Ring

Independence Day, 2019 was one for the record books.  We always love celebrating the Fourth of July...the parades...the fireworks...the patriotism...and of course...wearing our new Red White & Blue.  We were able to combine some old traditions with some new activities.  We started early, played late, and made the most of the holiday this year.

We had decided not to go to any official parades this year, so I got up early and headed out for my own one person Freedom Run.  While I was out, Tim called to let me know that he and the kids were going to cruise up to the Provo parade for a little while.  He took the stroller and the three of them were able to find a good little spot of grass to watch despite all of the crowds. 

After the parade, we all met back at the house to head out to Santaquin.  But of course, we had to make sure we had a few good shots of the new outfits before we could leave.  The photo shoot may have continued with Ada and Juniper when we got there.

And then it was on to the main event!  Jami had wanted a Fourth of July Parade, but didn't feel like dealing with crowds, so she sponsored her very own bike parade.  The kids all had a great time decorating their bikes and scooters and were impressed that me and grandma were pretty much professionals at helping to get the bikes ready.  I had such flashbacks to my childhood while winding crepe paper through everyone's tires.  

The parade got off to a great start with the "Grandma Marshall" and it just got better and better as the kids all came down the street.  Most of them had candy and squirt guns - they weresupposed to throw the candy, but I think they just held onto their stash.  We could have used a few more spectators, but other than that, it was the best parade I think I have ever seen!

We BBQ'd for lunch, then spent the afternoon chatting and watching the kids played.  The found some pretty creative uses for the bike parade props. 

Ada making their day with face painting.

We finally made it back to Provo where we picked up Taylor, and a few jackets, and then headed out to the Stadium of Fire.   It was a weird night for weather in Provo and a storm blew in that really cooled the temperatures.  Unfortunately, the winds were too much so the fighter pilot couldn't fly over, but other than that disappointment, the night and program were fantastic.  There were plenty of speeches and tributes and I actually learned quite a bit about US History.  The grand finale of the night was Keith Urban.  He was a great entertainer and seemed to be giving us his entire concert set list.  Well, let me think about that...I guess the real grand finale was when the fireworks started, but that seemed so obvious, so I went with the singer.  By the time we made it home that night, it felt like we had lived several days because we had been so busy and involved.  But each and every one of those days turned out to awesome.