the Graham Cracker House

After 5 years of working every July 4th (some days, some nights... so I've done a little bit of celebrating).  I was blessed to have the entire weekend OFF this year!!   With Gabriel being almost 2 we wanted a true-blue American Fourth. And we got it!

 



Then we watched the Magna parade. It was kind of a joke. Good thing we weren't expecting much. Gabe loved all the sirens and motorcycles and fire engines. The cool part was the last fire truck which stopped every 20 feet to roll out a hose and spray all the onlookers.  It was a great way to cool off.

Came home for naps and BBQ.  Deeeeelish.  fruit pizza for dessert. MMMM-mmmm.

Ended the day at the SLC BEES game!   It was still hot. And the BEES lost. But the fireworks were very awesome. Gabe was interested at first (From a distance). Then the noise scared him. So I covered his ears with my hand as he sat in my lap and he LOVED watching the fireworks.   It is a pleasure for me to introduce him to so many new and wonderful things in this world.
As I thought about it, my idea of what 4th of July "really should be"  stems from growing in Elk Ridge, Utah. The (very) small town parade, carnival, and pancake breakfast..... with fireworks in the BIG city (Provo) later that night charecterize a true 4th for me.  This one lived up to my ideals!  We will see what next year brings.  And who knows what Gabe will think is "normal"?!