Freedom Festival Parade

Our 4th of July started off early! We were up at 5 AM to get a seat on the parade route. Oakley, Preston and Nate came down to help us save a place! Heather was racing in her first big 10K...she looked great as she passed us! The weather was perfect..a bit overcast and except for a short downpour it was great! We were under the canopies so we had a great view and no rain! The parade was not nearly as fun as watching the little kids! They had a blast especially in the rain! What a crazy year! We haven't been to one parade or Strawberry Day's activity without the threat of or actual rain!

Heather and her girls passing us! Go Heather!
(Heather, Cassie, Jocelyn and Mallory!)

Great job! You rocked it! We are so proud of you!

Here are my early morning helpers! They had a blast playing football in the middle of the road with a rolled up T shirt! Thanks for helping guys! Next year we will go early and spend the night! (Am I too old for that?)

Oaks...a bit tired!

Preston...being Presto!

Preston ~ Trey ~ Abby ~ Oakley ~ Sadie and some of Audrey!

In the rain! That powdered donut looks yummy!

Can you see the rain drops? It POURED!

Jenny and Nate with Oaks and Mason

As the flag passes by!

Heather and Millie

Love that umbrella!

Becca and Levi

Ryan with Millie...

The crew! Sunshine...rain Sunshine!

We're Coming to America!

I love the 4th of July! I love being an American. Freedom isn't free and it is so important to me that my little grandkids recognize how blessed we are to live in this country. As part of the Provo Freedom Festival they have created a new event. It is called the "Ellis Island Experience". It is a simulation of coming to America as an immigrant and learning what it takes to become a U.S. Citizen. There is also a short play that shows different battles for freedom beginning with Joan of Arc and continuing through the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It was touching and really made you think of the sacrifices our forefathers made for our freedom. After the play the kids received their "passports" and went through a field of flags and learned about the 10 commitments we make to be a citizen. Then they took a test with actual questions from the exam given to immigrants. Then the next station was the oath. Each of them raised their hand and took the oath and recommitted to being a better citizen. It was an awesome experience!
Here they are waiting for the play to begin.
Some of the cast of the musical

Hal and Matt... Coming to America!

We are in AMERICA!

Milestone #7... "Praying for America" "Will you pray for America?"
I know that our government isn't going in a good direction right now and I ask myself often... "What can I do to make a difference?" I don't know what to do... but I know that I can pray for my country. Ultimately I believe that may make the biggest difference.

"Understanding our Natural Rights"

Pledging Allegiance to our Flag and to our country.

This is my favorite "Milestone"

Passing the citizenship test and having their passports marked.

Ready to take the Oath of Citizenship!

The newest bunch of recommitted citizens!
What a great activity! We learned so much and it was a perfect way to celebrate this holiday! God Bless America!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Big surprise tonight! Matt and Angie showed up at BYU tonight when they got home (from France) to wish Hal a Happy Birthday. Then Jenny and Nate and Becca and Levi and the kids also showed up for a surprise too! I got off work early and came over to see him...and there was the big fun surprise! The kids had a great time with Grandpa and then they found out the lockers in the hall were unlocked! ... you know what that means! Everyone had to jump in and see what would happen if they shut the door! Luckily the doors didn't jam...that would have been a bit stressful! The biggest surprise for Hal was when he left work...his truck was all decorated with balloons, hearts and streamers! It was a fun "heart attack"!

Audrey in the locker!

All of them inside! They thought it was the coolest thing ever!

Preston ~

Abby putting hearts on Grandpa's truck!

Everyone getting into the act at 10:30 at night!

Here is that sneaky crew! Good job Everyone! You made Grandpa so happy!

What a great surprise! Thanks kids!

Happy Birthday Becca Boo!

Happy Birthday Becca! We love you! Thanks for being such a wonderful daughter!

Happy Birthday Hal!

Happy Birthday to my Hal! After 38 years with you... I just want you to know some of the things I love and adore about you! So here goes!

Your kids love you!

You make me laugh when you dress up! Who knew you were so handsome?

I love you to play your guitar! Especially "The Cat Came Back" or when you
learned that Neil Diamond one just for me!

You can fix ANYTHING! Even a lost baseball in the sewer cleanout! Ok...so it took two days and 20 hours! But you did it!

You love your kids!

You have a great family! :))

Your grandkids adore you!

You walk slow and take time!

Here you are dressing up again! You make everything more fun!

You honor your priesthood and serve the Lord every day!

You always help me with my goofy projects.

You are adventurous!

You love watching movies...especially Star Wars with the little kids!
Need I say More?
I love you so much and I am so grateful that you chose me! What a lucky me! Happy Birthday!

Miss Utah Week!

I love the Miss Utah program. I love every single minute of the week! I love seeing my girls grow into beautiful, talented young women! They work so hard and make such a difference in other's lives! I LOVE IT!

Angie and beautiful Sadie!

My dearest friends.. Tewa ~ Raych and our Miss Utah Whitney!