As Jonny and I drove up beautiful American Fork Canyon on Friday morning to meet my family for a hike, we heard a tribute to America on some country station. Listening to the quotes from presidents, founding fathers, and American citizens today with patriotic music in the background, we both found ourselves in tears. I love this country and am very proud to be an American. This is an incredible place to live with a unique and admirable history. Sadly, so many Americans don't think this today. (You should hear the crazy things the kids in my mom's classes at UVU say.) But I have a feeling that the majority of us here in the United States do love, respect, appreciate, and defend our country. And anytime I see patriotism in everyday things and people and events, I feel even more proud to be an American.
I think we all love Independence Day. This year our 4th was perfect. Our Salamander Flats hike was beautiful and fun. Resting in the afternoon, we watched Born Yesterday, a darling and inspiring black and white movie that we love to watch at this time of year. We also enjoyed visiting with family (including "Cousin Varnel" who even judged the pies this year) at Barry's 18th Annual July 4th Pie Bake-Off. Jonny and Matt went biking while we at mom and dad's house played a rousing game of Wackee Six. (We even squished in the new T@B and played a round in there. Dad won that round - a rare and exciting event!) In the morning Jonny and I went mountain biking with Lindsey and Keegan Bench, who we love to see whenever we get the chance. (We had an awesome time up there with you two. Hope to ride again soon!) Later on Saturday we three and Drew enjoyed a delicious dinner at Olive Garden. To end the festivities, Jonny set off a few fireworks in front of our house. It wasn't all that exciting in broad daylight, but he really wanted Julia to experience them before her 6:45 bedtime! With baby in bed, we played badminton, weeded the garden, and Jonny and our neighbor caught the snake that I saw in our backyard earlier this week. Sorry, forgot to capture the snake on film. But believe me, it was no garden snake, as Jordan and the kids will tell you.
I think one reason I love being in the mountains so much is because it makes me feel like I am really appreciating and being a part of the gorgeous place where we live. America has so many beauties. The oceans, red rock desserts, green rolling hills, and open prairies are captivating. But I always seem to feel most at home in the mountains.
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8 comments:
Hey! thanks for posting those great pics. What a group we had! and so little planning. It just happened sorta, didn't it? I can't believe you do that hard mountain biking. It was a fun 4th. Love, Mom
Yes, I think our day on the mountain was a great patriotic way to spend the 4th. We are so lucky to be able to freely go anywhere we want in this gorgeous huge country. People who hate America should take a hike! (no pun intended).
I haven't been up in the canyon for years, and then we went 4x this weekend! That hike was wicked. Jack surprised me with his athletic stamina. And Julia was a champ!
That is quite the family picture you guys have in there! We are crying our eyes out over here. You guys are so darn cute in the last one!! Very fun and patriotic.
Cami - we did and do miss our Maryland family whenever we all get together. I was heartbroken not to be kissing that watermelon baby myself!
I have to agree with you about the beauty of the mountains...I don't think there are many places in the world as beautiful as what we have in american fork canyon. Cute pics by the way, I love that log picture of the entire fam
Wow there were lots of people on that hike!! It looks like you had a blast. Julia has such fun parents!
Kids today are such brats, they don't even realize what a blessing it is to live in a country like America. Well, they can go sit on a pin.
I was glad we had such a great holiday together, and thanks again for lunch, it was just what I needed at the time. Kev hlub!
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