I love the 4th of July! I love everything it symbolizes. Honor, faith in God, freedom, family, courage, perserverence, sacrifice, pioneer spirit, and endless possibilities for the hardworking...just to name a few.
I am so so proud to be an American.
I am so so grateful for all those brave souls who saw the vision of what this country could become for themselves and their posterity. And fought for that dream.
I am so so grateful for the men and women who continue to fight today to keep those dreams alive.
How indepted we all are to them and our Father in Heaven above who prepared the way for this country to flourish and thrive.
That we may flourish and thrive.
And just like every year, my heart starts to swell the minute I look out my front windows and see this emblem waving majestically in the breeze. Time to reflect and celebrate!
I woke up early and started the day with a beautiful, sunny run with my dear friend Sara.
I came home and smelled baking cinnamon rolls in the oven...which would eventually make their way up to a impromptu, but delicious 4th of July breakfast with our neighbors.
And their adorable new puppy, Rusty.
Which quickly turned into a bike derby and a high-flying tryout for the XGames.
Here is the drama shot from Trev's phone. Pretty sweet right?!
This kid is seriously fearless I tell you. Wowzers!
After the acrobatics were over we headed home and cleaned. I know, BORING. We cleaned our tails off for two reasons.
1. We needed to finish our normal "Saturday Jobs" since we would be spending the next day swimming at Seven Peaks with family.
2. My sister, Kristy, and her son Caden were coming to visit for the weekend and they are both severely allergic to our dog, Daisy.
We cleaned, and cleaned, and had this place spic-and-span for their arrival.
Then we quickly slipped into our swimsuits and headed to Trev's mom's amazing pool where we spent the afternoon playing and watching my nephew overcome fear after fear. So fun! "It's amazing what a little ice cream bribery can do for a kid's confidence." (Mother's Book of Secrets, pg. 25)
The rest of the night was spent with the Annual Lighten Family BBQ and Fireworks Showdown at Trev's brothers' houses.
Highlights included - glowsticks and popsicles, watching the Salt Lake skyline bursting with color, a Grand Finale that went arye, and a roman candle firing war between the men.
(Only a few children were harmed in the making of this post)
It sure was a great day.
Sometimes, I wonder if way back in 1776, our honorable and inspired Founding Fathers knew what blessed and treasured lives their descendants would someday lead. I wonder if we as their descendants truly realize how blessed we are because of them.
We stand on the shoulders of giants.
Hopefully, celebrating each year will help us to remember that.
May we never forget.
Happy 4th everyone and God bless!
Well, it happened. What appears to be my only son went from this:
To this:
While I blinked.
He got big. He is no longer my baby boy. Now he is my big boy and growing little man.
Turning eight is a big deal around here. It signifies your transition from little kid to big kid. You are contributing, decision-making, and becoming accountable for those choices.
But more on that later when I post all about his baptism. :)
For now, I just want to document, and therefore remember, how we celebrated this big day.
It started with presents at breakfast.
We live by the Nike and Under Armour outlets. He may be becoming a name-brand boy. These were all he wanted for his special day. Thank heaven for great sales!
Next we did the traditional birthday photo shoot. This could or could not be more of a present for me. Although he is a pretty good sport about it, and I know deep down inside my kids feel special to have the camera focused just on them. Even if they won't say it.
Then we partied! We had a tailgate party with a few buddies and soccer drills - then headed off to the BYU Men's Soccer game!
They were TOTALLY into the game...for the first 20 minutes. Then one buddy bought a soccer ball and they spent the majority of the rest of the game playing 2 on 2. It was really cute!
At the end of the game the BYU players all came to the sidelines for high-fives and autographs. These guys were completely star-struck.
After the game we stopped at Jamba Juice for smoothies and they watched a movie in the car on the way back. It was such a perfect night.
As we tucked our little man in bed that night I couldn't help but miss him as a little guy, but feel so excited and proud of the boy he is growing into. He is my favorite son.
Here are just a few of things that I adore about him:
1. He loves deeply and has a tender heart.
2. He is all boy. Loves all things manly. No nancy-boy here.
3. He is such a hard-worker. Just like his dad.
4. His dad is his best buddy in the world. Our neighbor Luke firmly holds the runner-up spot. Always has.
5. He is the best brother. He teases incessantly, but loves and protects his sisters ferociously.
6. He is righteous and has a deep desire to be good. He wants the things that are best for him. This includes every aspect of his life.
7. He enjoys eating and being healthy.
8. He is a great athlete and loves to compete and get better.
I am smitten with him. Total mom-crush on this kid. How proud he makes me. How grateful I am to be my little mister's mother.
Happy Birthday buddy boy! We love you so so much.
