PHOTOGRAPHS AND MEMORIES

Yesterday without really thinking it through, I told my friend that the 4th of July was just like any other day plus watermelon and blowing things up. Today I tried to remember as much as I could about the 30+ 4th of July's that I have celebrated in my lifetime. I wish I could print out all of the images that flashed through my mind.


One of my first memories of the 4th was standing on 3rd East in Salt Lake City in front of my house, I was around 5 or 6 yrs old. My mom had cut my hair into a bob that morning. I remember shaking my head and my hair felt so light. I couldn't stop running my fingers through my hair. The Eddingtons had come to visit and our other cousins the Christensens had also come. The street was filled with people because we lived so close to downtown. My brothers and our boy cousins were throwing snaps at the ground and at my toes. I lost my big toenails that night because of those snappy snaps! Still what a great night! Perfect weather and it was a Sunday. I know this because my nemesis at the time (Heather from across the street) depanced me in front of all of my cousins and neighbors just as the firework show was beginning. I didn't take my slip off from church. I had tucked it into my shorts maybe to protect myself from Heather's evil plots, I can't be sure. But I showed her-ish. Actually not really, but my mom did give her the what for. Take that Heather! No hard feelings. It was strangely fun to have an evil villain in my life. It was good for my imagination. I loved chocolate even if it was masking EX-LAX! Still the night was magical to me with all of the patriotic songs playing on the radio..."And I'll gladly stand up, next to you and defenders still today, and there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA!"

Years later, my friends and I would walk the green belt loop as the fireworks show went off in Idaho Falls, Idaho. I felt so free going there without my parents and walking through the crowds with my crushes.

I remember the parades down Main Street in Rexburg. A few years hanging out with a mix of the following people: Amelia, Hebes, Bianca, Mark P., Terrence, Andrew, Laci, Stephanie, Christina, Rachel, Amber, Mark M, Lee, Jer, Angie, Lesha, Tricia, Mary, Scotty, Justin, Clinton, Allisa, Kris, Amanda, Eammon, Chris and Aud. Walking around the Green Belt, hanging out at the Sand Dunes, Yellowstone and/or driving to Jackson Hole.

One year I drove to Jackson, WY with Beau instead of Jackson, MT. OOOPS! Palisades and the dock and my awesome truck.

The next year I was watching the Phoenix Metropolitan Area one by one shoot off their fireworks displays as a van load of us dirty, thirsty, hungry trailwalkers made our way off of the trail driving through the valley after an amazing week down Rock and Cherry Creeks. The following week I met Paul, this handsome, hilarious, crazy loud, cynical boy I wanted my sister to marry, but somehow he worked his magic and lured me in with his amazing dance moves. Thank you Enrique!

A few years ago in Twin Falls, Idaho, I enjoyed one of my favorite 4ths to date. We took our girls to the morning parade and 4th of July festival. Addie watched the cars and floats. She was so excited! It was as if she was at Disneyland. She was mesmerized! When it was over we mosied around town with Clare in her stroller and Addie pulling us from booth to booth at the festival. That night we set up our projector with my bro Steve and his family and invited our buddies the Watsons, Michels and neighbors to watch a movie once the fireworks were over. Our little girls cuddled up by us and fell asleep. It was one of those days you wish could just keep going. Not too spectacular just happiness.

So many more specific memories I could write. I actually did write them but then accidentally deleted them and now I am burnt out. I am lucky to have so many good memories and I am going to work hard to help my children have the kind of fun that I did as a kid.