We hold these truths to be self-evident:

 That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;

This is not a post to pontificate about all that's right and wrong in our country right now. It's simply a post about my love for Independence Day, and all it represents. In fact, I realized this year that it's my favorite holiday. Here are a few reasons why I love Independence Day:

1. Music. Mormons sing A LOT in church. On an average Sunday, we sing at least three hymns in our first hour meeting, and we sing at least one or two in our last hour meeting (unless you're with the kids and then it's a LOT more). I love all of our hymns, but during July the list of hymns always includes songs like America the Beautiful, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, the Star Spangled Banner, and My Country Tis of Thee. There is something in particular about America the Beautiful and of course the Star Spangled Banner that fill me with hope, and deep gratitude for what our forefathers and predecessors sacrificed for us. As confused as our world is today, our nation was built on the right principles and we've been incredibly blessed through those sacrifices.

2. Parades. I know parades aren't what they used to be, but I still get choked up as I watch our flag respectfully marched through the street by men (and women) in uniform, whether they are scouts or marines. I love the sense of community as we gather together in the blazing heat, and strangers and friends laugh together, share candy thrown from truck beds, and silently pray together that by showing up we're helping encourage our children to keep the America we love and strive for alive.

Family time in the morning and afternoon. The parade and pool time.

3. Community. I grew up in a town where everyone shows up on July 3rd and 4th for fireworks, 5k fun runs, breakfast, parades, and then a carnival in the park. Most years to this day I continue to see old classmates who've come back with their parents, and now their own children. We don't spend a lot of time really enjoying our community anymore, but on these two days every year, the town still comes together and celebrates.

Devin and Brad enjoying the parade... and a sucker.

4. Friends. This is the only holiday growing up where brand new traditions were created within our own family. We started getting together with our dearest friends when we moved to opposite ends of the Salt Lake valley and needed an opportunity to connect at least once a year. And now, when I can't be in Centerville, we find other wonderful friends to share it with. This year on July 3rd, Devin and I had the opportunity to experience the Magic Kingdom fireworks with McKenzie and Ben. They have taken us in as family the last few months, and they are so darling with Devin! McKenzie danced with him, played with him, and captured the most perfect pictures of him taking in his first fireworks.
We were invited to spend the evening of the 4th with the Krause and Gillespie families. I loved watching Devin "playing" with the other kids, since he's usually all alone, and we had a great time eating, dancing, and visiting together. We even caught a few fireworks through the trees (although the kids were FAR more interested in Zootopia).

Fireworks with the Stewarts. Magic!

McKenzie making sure Devin was awake and happy for fireworks

The kids (and Jared) partying on the floor

Ethan and Grayson entertaining Devin after bath time

Devin and Owen

5. Fireworks. Living right behind Disney, we see (and hear) our fair share of fireworks. But on Independence Day, I feel the significance of these symbols of "The rockets red glare, [and] bombs bursting in air, [that] gave proof through the night that our flag was still there."

"Oh say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."

I am grateful for the United States of America. I'm grateful for the sacrifices made for us to live in this land, and I hope we can live up to our responsibility to support our land of the free, and be the home of the brave.