Live one day at a time...: July 2009

Growing up, the 4th of July was nothing short of magical. There was always the ward pancake breakfast, which when your 8 and all your best friends are in your ward, is pretty special. Then it was off to the huge Provo parade, with the loud jets in the sky, and super loud cannon that passed by, and lots of covering my ears from the noise! Next came the infamous nap. My mom insisted on us kids taking a nap (which now that I'm a mom I totally understand....she's the one who really needed the nap!) and I would just sit in my room, jittery with excitement for the fun that would follow. In the evening we'd head out to our traditional spot on the Sidewalk of Fire. Sure, you Utah folk might have only heard of the Stadium of Fire, but you see, out family was smart, and instead of paying the money to get inside the stadium, we'd just sit right outside and watch as the fireworks exploded right above our heads for free! It was magic. But before any of this happened, and the reason I got out of bed as early as possible on our country's Independence day was for these....

If you were lucky, and woke up early enough, you could see the sky littered with hot air balloons. And each year I wished I could be there as they all gently lifted off the ground. It is a memory so vivid in my mind.

So needless to say, when I heard that there was a hot air balloon festival in Tigard, I simply had to be there. So at the wee small hour of 4:00am, I woke my family, bundled them up, and headed out the door to fulfill a life long dream of mine. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

Well, nowadays the 4th has taken on a whole new meaning thanks to my adorable little niece. If ever there was a girl who needed fireworks on her birthday, it's Emily. I had a blast celebrating with her this year.

The day kicked off with Heidi's annual birthday breakfast....crepes, waffles, fresh berries, and cream cheese frostings to name a few. YUM! Then to the birthday parade and fireworks. We had a great turn out of neighbors watching this year which was fun. Jake and I took the top of the jeep and decorated it, and stuck Sage in the front with a sash that said Little Miss Aloha. Very cute. Here's me and the birthday girl.

Heidi and I were so happy to have Heather with us this year. She's usually off if Africa during the summer, but we got to keep her this time.

For her cake Emily was very descriptive. She wanted an American flag cake with watermelon cookies for everyone, and a Hello Kitty cookie just for her.

Who am I to say no to such a request!