I love the Fourth of July. I have always loved it and I will admit that I have been a 4th of July snob having grown up right outside the Nation's capital and being spoiled with the best fireworks and surrounded by such amazing history. This year, however, I was humbled. I had an incredibly fun weekend on our nation's birthday.
Saturday was soccer ALL day, which made me supremely happy. I played in a little 3 v 3 tournament with some old friends and some new. We didn't do that well- it took us a while to get used to the strategy needed in smaller sided games.
After our semi-final finish we all went to Cafe Rio= LOVE and were all chowing down on giant portions of delicious Mexican food when one of our teammates mentioned that he was going to play pickup with some friends. We all perked up, because playing 3 hours of soccer wasn't enough, and we all decided to go. We got to play for another 2 hours on a field with goals and we had 3 teams of 11! It was FUN, although me and the two other girls from our team were the only girls and the boys were a little bit less-than-thrilled with being schooled consistently by us. Plus, I got kicked in the ankle which turned into a GIANT bruise which is STILL healing. But, overall, GREAT GREAT soccer.
That night we did fireworks outside of the Stadium of Fire- they were fine, but the best part was playing soccer/football/Frisbee with my buddies- (side note: sometimes I think that I need to be a little more feminine. Whenever I am not dressed in workout clothes having just played soccer, gone running, or done some other sporty activity people ask me why I am so dressed up! Really, I am just wearing clothes not meant to be run around in, which I guess happens too rarely for people to realize that that is how I normally dress when not working out! But, I prefer playing sports to being girlie, so whatever.)
(Left: A beautiful pre-fireworks Sunset at the MTC fields) We watched the fireworks at the MTC fields and it was fun to be out in the beautiful summer night with hundreds of other freedom-loving Americans. There is nothing like the 4th of July to bring people together.Sunday was a nice day- Fast Sunday. I bore my testimony about being consistent in our scripture study/ prayers/ etc so that when we are faced with a challenge we are prepared. I compared it to my 3 v 3 soccer tournament where I had given a little pre-game prayer praying for stamina- after which I repented for asking for something that I had not worked for. I love how EVERYTHING has a gospel parallel. Actually, one of my favorite things to do is draw them from random, seemingly secular things- give it a try, it's fun! We also had ward Break the Fast and I ended up staying an extra long time having an interesting conversation with some of the gals and fellas in the ward about- what else?- dating. We talked about how boys don't mind being liked for their looks the way some girls do and how girls want to be liked for our personalities more than for our looks. So, now in order to compliment the boys in my ward, I compliment their looks- "you are so attractive!" and in order for them to give me a compliment they tell me that they like my personality. It is nice to hear :). The classic polarity of men and women!
That night our ward set up a good spot on the Provo 4th of July Parade route. We brought out the Foosball table, Uno, the bbq for making S'mores, Set, and even a TV (we watched the cleanflicks version of the Patriot in honor of the holiday). We had a few stalwarts stay the night- I went home at 3 and came back at 9 for the parade. I was amazed how many people were camping out and there were just people EVERYWHERE! Apparently the 7-11 gas station was packed with people just hanging out- makes perfect sense since 7-11 equals PARTY TIME. We even had suspicions that the people in front of us were selling drugs- one of their party was arrested early on in the night... oh, the drama of Provo after dark! 
Monday was the funnest day of all! The highlight of the parade was the end of it AND the maple bar at the beginning.Parades are usually pretty disappointing in my experience. It was fun to be with the ward though and I got all patriotic with my little American flags in my hair. Afterward, a ton of us got together and headed down south to Mona, Utah to enjoy the lake and rope swing they have down there. Apparently all of Provo had the same idea. It was totally fine though. We barbecued, swam, swung, read, and just enjoyed the day. It was a really good time! When we came back we were all exhausted but there was mention of playing soccer, which I strongly supported but worried wouldn't happen due to our lack of energy, but by golly, it happened! We played for about 2 hours! It was PERFECT. The topping on the cake came after soccer when we were all showered and clean and we headed to the local dollar theater
to enjoy "How to Train Your Dragon" a gem of a movie that not only did I love, but I now want a puppy (or a dragon that looks and acts like a puppy- except for the fact that it can also FLY) more than ever. It was a wonderful, fabulous, fun and friend-filled weekend that I enjoyed wholly! Hooray for the United States of America and hooray for FUN!
p.s. I really am so grateful for this country. One of the most touching parts of the parade was when the parents of two fallen soldiers were honored. I'll admit, I cried. I really respect the men and women brave enough to serve in the armed forces. I think about doing it every so often, but I am too afraid. It really is due to their sacrifices that we enjoy what we do. God bless them and God bless America.
