recap of the 4th

Provo is one of the best places to be for the 4th of July. This little town really does it up right. My absolute favorite part is the hot air balloon launch. It is breathtaking and unique and exciting and like nothing you've ever seen. I really appreciate Scott humoring me and helping me go year after year. This year we invited the Tanners down from Salt Lake to go with us, and since it is so early they decided to come down the night before and we had a sleep over party. We had a great time making flank steak sandwiches and homemade ice cream, and had our own little fireworks show in the back yard.

In the morning we managed to get up bright and early, get 5 kids dressed and all accompanying paraphernalia assembled, and were at the field to see the balloons lift off at 6:30am. It was awesome.










Then through Gondolfo's drive-thru for some breakfast sandwiches and on to the parade route. I don't know when or why or how it happened, but somehow this parade has grown in popularity to the point of being pretty hard to find a spot to sit if you're much later than 6am. So we settled for the west side of the street (HOT!!!) and had a great time squeezing in with Emily's family. The marching bands, bagpipe band, and giant inflatable Curious George balloon were highlights.



Then we parted ways with the Tanners for a bit and went home for a much needed nap. June, Scott and I all managed to sleep for 2 hours - what a treat! Then the boys were getting restless so it was on to the next activity: the Freedom Festival in downtown Provo. We walked through all the booths (I think I need some of those stained glass flowers), got some lunch, the boys went on a couple rides -- freefall was the favorite. Then we stopped for snowcones and funnel cakes and headed out. It was fun but way too hot and way too expensive to stay very long (not to mention the rather lame entertainment).



Then back home for a bit and then out again for fireworks. The Tanners invited us to join them at Sugarhouse park. It was awesome. Great spot on the hill, good company, and a spectacular fireworks show. They didn't start until 10pm and lasted a half hour then there was the walk out and the traffic, so needless to say it was another late night. There were a few fights over glow sticks and blow up slides, but nothing a good mint chip shake can't fix. I'm pretty sure June's ready to adopt Ryan to be her new dad. Thanks Tanners for a great time!

Happy 4th of July everyone!