Independence Weekend!

It's been an interesting holiday this year. Since the 4th of July landed on a Sunday, Independence day has lasted all weekend. Fireworks have been going off Saturday, Sunday, and Monday as well as lots of parades and such. So, it's been an Independence Weekend.

Malone and I had a good time this weekend just taking it easy. Malone had to work Saturday morning, so he couldn't go to the parade with me. I didn't feel like driving all the way to the IF ones by myself to be with my family, so I just jumped on my bike and rode to the Rexburg parade. I was by myself, but it was fun to experience the parade on a bike and just cruise around to all the stands and just enjoy the splendor! I am a people watcher, so it was fun for me to watch all the kids having a blast and watching the parade as I rode. It was pretty cold first thing Saturday morning, so most people were wearing jackets, long pants, and blankets. I rode my bike all the way to Broulims where Malone was working. I surprised him with a delicious Jamba Juice and a little visit from me! It was fun hanging out with him at work since it was extremely slow (everyone was at the parade). Eventually I made the journey back home and relaxed till Malone got off work. Later on Malone and I went to my parent's for a BBQ. It was way fun! Dad was grilling burgers, hot dogs, and brats listening to 50's music while everyone was getting ready for the picnic outside. It was like a picture perfect little family get-together. After lunch, we played some volleyball and kickball. My neice Claire and my brother Parker got nailed with the kickball by my dad (who felt so bad!!), which quickly ended the game... afterwards we had a cherry pit spitting contest.

We hung out for and cooled off downstairs for an hour or two and eventually decided to light off some fireworks. We had about 4 or so of us lighting at the same time so it was a constant show for about an hour! We even managed to get Parker to light some fireworks (he was really nervous about it at first!). Malone and I had to go a little early since he had to run back to work. But I think we both had a really good time, even though we ended up foregoing the big IF Fireworks this year, which is my favorite part.

On Sunday, Malone and I went to church and ended up hanging out at home for the day. While at church, I was overwhelmed with this feeling of gratitude. It may have been because it was July 4th, but it was a neat feeling. I am just so grateful for everything that Malone and I have been blessed with. I am so happy to be a member of the church and to have the knowledge of the gospel, and to be able to have the opportunities to grow and to learn. I am so happy to be married to such a wonderful man who works so incredibly hard, honors his priesthood, and makes me so happy everyday. I am always amazed at how blessed we are and how Heavenly Father always provides for us. Money is always tight and sometimes we don't know where our next meal is coming from, and somehow we always have everything we need in the end. We have two cars, a nice apartment, food in our cupboards, we're both healthy and happy, and we have jobs. Not everyone can say that and I am so grateful. I know that we are being watched over all the time. I am so grateful for our family and friends. We have such amazing families.

I am grateful for the men and women who fought and those who fight today for our country and for the freedoms we enjoy. These men and women sacrifice so much. They sacrifice their time, their health, they sacrifice being away from their spouses and children for months to years at a time. I don't know if anyone can fully appreciate what these men and women do for us everyday.

Thanks to everyone who loves and supports us. We love you all and wish you the happiest 3rd, 4th, and 5th of July!!