Once you get married, Holidays don't seem to be quite as relaxing as they once were. The 4th of July used to be just time spent sleeping in, hitting up a BBQ or 2, then maybe spending time at the pool before heading over to the park for the local fireworks show. As of 3 years ago, that all changed.
Our celebration started on the 3rd of July this year when we headed up to Snow Bird Resort to visit my cousin Allison & her husband Jordan. This has become one of my favorite traditions. We swim, hot tub & then settle in for a nice rom-com. In the past, we've spent the night, but this year, we headed home late so we could go straight to Orem in the morning.
Michael was just recently put in as Elders Quorum President in the ward which means he gets tons of awesome opportunities to serve. On this particular morning, he volunteered to put flags up around our ward. So even though we didn't get home until 3, he was up at 5 with the scouts helping!
( S I D E N O T E : H O W A M A Z I N G D E D I CA T E D I S M Y M I C H A E L ! ? )
Once he returned, & rolled my lazy bottom out of bed, we jumped in the car with the pups for an early breakfast gathering with the Riding's up Provo Canyon. This has become a tradition we absolutely cherish. It's a good time for the brothers to play soccer/volleyball with the ladies jumping in every once in a while. It's prime time in the sun, & we always start off our holiday with a nice sunburn. Then, the boys (& wives) head a little down the canyon to jump off " T H E R O C K " into the Provo River. This year, we brought Raven & made her jump off with Mike. She didn't love it, but she will learn.
After our morning up the canyon, we scurried down the canyon to Scera Park for Momma Wag's family BBQ. We ate, & walked around the park for a while looking at all of the military vehicles & equipment they had on display. It was pretty surreal walking around with Michael & having him explain what each vehicle would be used for different situations. I would be lying if I told you it didn't make me a little emotional!
We ended our evening at Grandma Dudley's with Michael family. We had a BBQ, played a few games, lit off fireworks then headed to the backyard to watch the Stadium of Fire fireworks. Actually, Mike's Aunt Mary designed the show this year & it definitely did not disappoint!
Since Grandma & Grandpa Dudley live so close to the Stadium, traffic is always the worst for 2 hour after the show, so we all snuggle in for a movie night. Half of the crowd falls asleep & the others enjoy a light hearted movie!
As a kid, the 4th of July was always about getting to relax & although our holidays are packed full with things to do spending 100% of our time with family is the only way to go.
X O X
K A T I E G O O S E
