Happy Birthday My Home Sweet Home!

Isn't the 4th of July the BEST? I love the nostalgia that goes along with it. Summertime barbeques, being with family and friends, and who doesn't love the fireworks? We just got back in town from good ol Idaho Falls and it was a great time, the show never disappoints there on the falls. As soon as we sat down on our blanket, this friendly older chap behind us leaned up and said, "Let me tell ya a story guys. 35 years ago today on this very spot, right after the fireworks, we rushed over to the hospital because my wife went in to labor," and then he chuckled, patting me on the back. People are so funny. Luckily, all that excitment didn't phase the wee one, and strangely enough (I know most women are really so ready to get on with it) I am more than happy to let her bake in there for a few more weeks!

Anyway, Happy Birthday America! Every fourth I get a little misty. It always makes me think of when I was in Paraguay on my mission, how it became a regular occurance for me to get into the shower and sing the national anthem as loud as I could, hand over heart, tears running down my face because I just missed you so much and felt so proud of you. I truly love you.

Abe (my brother) and Tiff leave with their kiddies tomorrow for Pennsylvania, he is going to med school out there. Makes me sad but happy for them too. I loved being at my parents place with all of them, even if it was for just a couple days. I also love going home to be babied. Isn't it weird when you get around your mom it's like you completely forget you're a grown up? All of a sudden your domestic abilities are totally handicapped and you don't know how to do anything? At least it's that way for me, especially at 9 months prego. I love you so dearly mom, you really are the world's greatest.

Here are a couple shots of our holiday....

We went to Tiffany's grandpas house and had a big barbeque over there. Jason and I tossed around the football and for some reason he thought it was extra hilarious that I was throwing the football with him in my condition. So, my dad got a few really unflattering action shots, including one of me in the Heisman (I will spare you that one in particular).

Waiting for the fireworks to start... struggling for air. (They tell you not to lay on your back for extended periods of time but stretching it out is worth being a little out of breath once in a while.) The night was perfect, perfect temperature, perfect company and perfect surroundings!

This is one of my favorites. My mother is the most random collector on earth, and frequents yard sales looking for the world's most random stuff to buy and cart home with her. Not too long ago, she found a whole collection of pogs... and bought the whole thing. Why? No one is quite sure, but she does take pride in being the world's best grammy so I believe that has something to do with it. (And yes, in fact we went early this morning and yes I did make a few great purchases! I spent SEVEN whole dollars! Love those yard sales!) Anyway, she found these incredible hulk gloves, which happen to include sound effects when you punch something with them on. What can I say, Jason fell in love at first sight and when we had to go today I pretty much had to pry them off of him kicking and screaming. I promised him a shaved ice if he gave them back to mom, and that seemed to subdue him for the time. Look at the little lad, snoozing away with his new favorite toy! He really did fall asleep like this... the pic is not even posed. He's so fierce! This is why nobody messes with me!