God Bless America

I know that summer officially starts on June 21st but for me it doesn't really feel like summer until the 4th of July. It is easily my favorite holiday of them all. There is just something about parades and barbeques, fireworks and homemade ice cream that make it truly feel like summer. Our 4th was busy, busy, busy! Alan marched with the Wasatch District Pipe Band in the Centerville parade first thing in the morning and went for round 2 in Sandy in the evening. It was so much fun to see him play with the band for his first time (It may or may not have brought tears to my eyes). That took up most of our day and we enjoyed a family bbq and my Grandma's homemade vanilla ice cream when we were through. Here is a glimpse into our Independence Day:

                     

This cute little lady thought Al was the bee's knees. When he got back to where I was sitting after the parade she told him how much she loved the bagpipes and how much joy they brought her and her family. It is a lot of fun to see how excited people get whenever bagpipers come around. 

Sandy Parade. The sun was in my eyes when they came up the street I was sitting on so I ran along side them until I got ahead enough to snap this pic. Clearly that guy with the beard there thought I was weird or something. 

I am so grateful for this country and for those who serve to honor and protect it each day. I have family and friends in the Armed Forces and want to give them a huge shout out for everything that they do to protect our freedom. Thank you! 

No. Lie. My brother handed me this lady bug and it was crawling so fast across my hand and perched right on top of my ring and stayed there for a good minute or so. I am glad it did because I love ladybugs and it was fun to capture this fun little shot.

Of course, no 4th of July is complete without fireworks! Our city does Fireworks the night before and they put on a really great show. The only down side was getting a mosquito bite right on my knuckle that caused it to swell up to be twice the size it is normally! I kid you not it is still swollen and Al has taken to calling me Sausage Fingers. It's awesome. Not!

We had an awesome 4th and hope that you did to! What are some of the things you love doing on Independence Day?