No, I’m not referring to a movie with Will Smith, I’m talking about the day we commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence back on July 4, 1776 when we declared our independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain! There are so many great things about the way we celebrate Independence Day such as fireworks, parades, barbecues, and carnivals. I have always enjoyed fireworks on the Fourth of July, growing up we would sometimes get on the roof of our house so that we could see the fireworks that were shot in downtown Wichita. Luckily things are pretty flat in Kansas so it is easy to see for long distances without much trouble! Now Jodi and I try to get to as many shows as we can. We have found a few regulars that we like. The Canyons in Park City has a show on July 3rd that we like a lot and always make it to and we always go to Kaysville for the Davis County show on July 4th with a lot of the family. We also like South Jordan’s fireworks but they did them earlier this year than normal so we missed them. We usually find enough shows to be able to make it to 3 or 4 every year. We planned to go to West Jordan’s show on July 5th but I was not feeling well so we didn’t make it.

Our morning consisted of the Centerville parade and celebration. Lindsey and Aaron have some pictures from those on their blog. There is a bunch of carnival type food and stuff going on at the celebration but we usually just go and hang out for a bit and then go somewhere to eat so we can get some good food and not pay out of our noses for it; the past two years we have gone to Bajio. It was so hot and muggy this year so we didn’t stay long and couldn’t wait to get indoors! After lunch we went and saw the new Indiana Jones movie with Jodi’s parents and Jake. Jodi and I had already seen it but it’s good enough to see a second time.

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. Not just because of the fireworks, parades, barbecues, and carnivals but also for the reason we have the holiday. I am so thankful for our country’s independence and for all who have lost and risked their lives to protect it. I thought it was great that everyone at the Centerville parade stood and clapped as the troops walked by.