Independence Day Provo Style

Provo has Independence Day activities like Sonora never will. It's pretty fun. The weekend of the fourth was the busiest we've had all summer and we didn't get in our car one time. I love how close we are to everything here. 

Every year there is a Hot Air Balloon Festival and we so wanted to go last year but it didn't work out. So were NOT going to miss it this year. And I'm so glad we didn't! It was such a neat experience. Hot air balloons just have a magical feeling about them. I loved it! 

We woke up super early and basically just rolled out of bed and headed out in our PJs. We were pretty shocked when pretty much everyone else was dressed and ready for the day. Oh well. 

There were about 25 or so balloons and they were just getting ready to fill them up when we arrived. Perfect timing. 

We spent the rest of the day basking in the sunshine at Seven Peaks.

A pretty happy way to start our Independence Day :) 

The following day we went to the Freedom Parade on Center Street. This parade was way longer {and hotter} than any I'd ever been to before. But overall pretty great, because we had great company as usual. Our awesome friend Jeff Ravert went way early and set up a perfect spot for us all to watch. I think the coolest thing about this parade was that they have a different banner and section for each of the wars fought up until present day, and Veterans as well as active duty walking for each one. It was so heartwarming and humbling to be able to stand in gratitude each time they passed with all the other parade watchers. 

After the parade, I was exHAUSTED, dehydrated, and hot, so my sweet husband made me a smoothie and we watched Harry Potter. Then we went to Seven Peaks to cool off ;) 

That evening, we had a little barbeque with great friends in our backyard and enjoyed some fireworks. What a beautiful day. And it's such a plus to have friends with cute babies I can love on for the evening. 

 I am so grateful for our country and the freedoms we enjoy here! We are so blessed and proud to be Americans.