Happy Fourth!

We had a fabulous three day weekend. It was closer to a four day weekend, because aside from a few phone calls that Jake had to make we pretty much took Friday off too. Yay for owning our own business. :)

Our town has a HUGE 4th of July celebration. There is a 5 mile race for the crazy people, a 2 mile walk lined with vendors and musicians, fair food (I love me some freshly deep fried corn dogs), more street vendors, entertainers, lots of live music, raffles, and everyone you ever knew comes back to town and you bump into them constantly. And then there is a parade. Local law enforcement and firetrucks included. Fun for all.

Then, usually, you go to a BBQ somewhere and head up to the golf resort (along with everyone you ever knew) to watch the fireworks. There's lots more music and food, but the fireworks are pitifully small from that distance.

This year Jake and I decided to do something both of us have always wanted to try, but never have been able to do. We borrowed a boat from a friend and went out on the lake that they shoot the fireworks off at. We packed a picnic dinner, Jake brought a fishing pole and I brought a book, and after a BBQ with the in-laws we headed down the lake. It was so much fun! We floated for a few hours, munching on crackers and cheese and enjoyed the warm night. After dark the fireworks were right on top of us. Literally. We accidentally drifted into the "boat-free" space near the firework deck and a kindly ol' sheriff came and asked us to back up. Oops. But I think we'll be doing this every year.

Yay SUN!

Our mountain view

I could get used to this

See where they're being shot off from?

The lake is in a bit of a canyon, so no only did we hear and feel the boom from the firework going off, but then it would echo off the mountains surrounding us. It was like watching fireworks in a trashcan. So cool! Also, the camera couldn't pick this up, but you actually could see a faint outline of the mountain behind the fireworks. So imagine the mountain view just behind these fireworks. It was spectacular.

Happy Fourth!

And I can't leave a 4th of July post without giving a special thanks to the men and women who have fought for our freedom. I truly appreciate it and can't even begin to comprehend the sacrifices that have been made on my behalf. A marine friend of mine ran the 5 mile race in some of his gear and carrying the flag, reminding everyone that The Fourth means so much more than BBQs and boats. Thank you.