The Longest Fourth of July Ever.

I love the fourth of July.

It's hot, it involves eating, and it includes people whom I love.

This year, due to the fourth being on a Sunday...the festivities and weekend were long. 

It was wonderful.

Abby got to ride in a golf cart with her Grandpa Howe who is city manager of West Bountiful. She was so excited to be "in the parade" and throw candy.  She had a blast.

Deak had fun watching the parade and the flashing electronic sign that was placed in front of the city building. Deak also had fun eating some snacks.  He is pretty chill anywhere as long as there are snacks. (So am I actually).

We stopped by the Kaysville parade/marketing machine/second Halloween.  It's a tradition that we love and helps us feel connected to the city we live in.  Although, I am fairly certain that more than half of the people in attendance do not live anywhere near Kaysville (it was PACKED this year.)

Ab hadn't been feeling well this past week, so she and Deak were a little tired by the time we hit parade number two.  For some reason...I thought I was great...( a false thought which I def paid for the next day).

After the Kaysville Extravaganza we hit up Red Robin (another tradition) and had a great time.  That evening we bbq'd at our house and had a nice driveway fireworks show thanks to my parents.  Deak tolerated some of the fireworks this year, and I was so proud.  He grabbed my arms and held them tightly around his round little belly, grasping for dear life, but he made it through some of the quieter ones.  He even signed "More" quite a few times and chuckled.  We went inside when they got loud, but I was so happy to see him sticking through something that is hard for him.  I mean really, fireworks are full of sensory overload for me, I truly can't imagine how he must feel.

Later that weekend, Blair spruced up the outdoor plastic pool and we hung out in the backyard for the afternoon. Deak could probably stay inside the pool for hours and be perfectly content. He and Ab are both water babies.  Those are days I desperately wish I still lived near a beach.  Nothing is more peaceful than sand and saltwater.

Aren't we lucky?  Lucky to live in a country where we get to choose who we are. A country that is learning to develop tolerance and gives us the ability to relax in peace and comfort.

I'm feeling pretty blessed.