Our 24th of July Holiday

July 24, 2010

Being in Utah over the 24th of July holiday is always such a treat for me. It is especially fun now that Clara is old enough to enjoy some of the same things about the holiday that I did when I was a child.

Things like:

THE FIREMAN'S WAKE-UP:

The Fireman's wake-up consists of all the firetrucks and ambulances driving up and down every street in town with lights and sirens going-all for the purpose of waking everyone up to signal the beginning of the day of the 24th. The fire department also makes "bombs" that they set off here and there to make sure they are heard. This year my nephew, Austin and his friend, Wes were on the fire department-so we were sure to get blasted out. Our family tradition is that we sleep out on the front lawn the night before in anticipation of all this excitement. Clara was so set on sleeping outside with all of her cousins, and even though I didn't really want to take little Clayton out (he wakes at least 3 times a night to eat or whatever), tradition made me go. So, Clayton ended up sleeping through the night for the first time in at least 3 months and Clara didn't want to wake up when the firetrucks came by, so she just stuck her fingers in her ears. My favorite part was that my Dad's dog, Magggie (old and allegedly deaf and partially blind) got so scared that she climbed into Ashlyn's sleeping bag with her.

THE DEMOLITION DERBY:

My nephews, Cole (#73) and Austin (#9), were both in the derby this year. This has been a passion of Cole's for several years now. Part of the fun for me is watching him work on his car in the days preceding the event (even though he's been working on it for longer than that). This year Cole was good enough to let his brother have one of his "used" cars to use for his very first derby experience. They both made a good showing, but no wins to report. Better luck next year boys!!

Finally, my favorite part of the 24th, and of Utah in general:

MY FAMILY:

Spending time with those that I am bonded to, yet once felt in bondage to is the best part of any trip back home. It's funny how those I once struggled to get along with as a child are now the ones that I turn to the most. I know they always have my back and I feel honored to call them sisters and brother.