tHe foURtH of JuLy ...
has always been my favorite holiday.
Maybe it is because my birthday is on the 6th of July or maybe it is because every year of my life I spent the fourth of July in Aurora and Salina, Utah- where i have very fond childhood memories. Both my parents grew up in these two little towns and as kids they brought us back to the festivities there year after year. It has been so fun to introduce my kids to it as well. It is hard to put it into words but it has this charm to it, that makes me so happy to be a part of. Maybe it is because it is a small town or maybe it is because it has always brought my family together? Or maybe it is because Aurora is where my mom's parents lived - who both passed away within the last few years... and they meant so much to me. So, maybe when i go back to Aurora- it reminds me of them and for a moment, they live on inside of me. I know it may sound cheesy but AURORA has a special place in me. The sad thing is though, is that i know eventually the tradition will die because there are very few family members left down there and so fewer and fewer of my family continue to go each year.
Therefore, i am just going to enjoy the tradition and memories while it lasts...
UNCLE ROB... we are so happy he is moving back to UTAH next month! He has been gone to California far too long.
One of the many games at Aurora park... Ashton could barely see over this Plinko game to see what he was doingTHE RACES
Yes, this is me trying to hold on for dear life to Troy... while we are racing in the husband and wife sack race at Salina park.
The Father and Son sack race
I had to get a picture of this.
Yes, this is me trying to hold on for dear life to Troy... while we are racing in the husband and wife sack race at Salina park.
The Father and Son sack race
I had to get a picture of this.
Yes, they are chasing after a chicken. Yes, they "GET" to keep the chicken if they catch it. Yes, people are on the sides chanting and cheering. Yes, this would only happen in good old Aurora!
Seneka starting out her race in the {1 to 2 year old} category at Aurora park!!
Here is her 3rd place ribbon!!! WAHOOO!! You go girl!
Ashton was a bit disappointed he didn't get a ribbon. Truthfully, he got 3rd place as well as Seneka but the guy watching wasn't paying attention (we have the video to prove it!). Oh well, he still got a box of cracker jacks and he was happy with that!
Seneka starting out her race in the {1 to 2 year old} category at Aurora park!!
Here is her 3rd place ribbon!!! WAHOOO!! You go girl!
Ashton was a bit disappointed he didn't get a ribbon. Truthfully, he got 3rd place as well as Seneka but the guy watching wasn't paying attention (we have the video to prove it!). Oh well, he still got a box of cracker jacks and he was happy with that!
Oh, by the way- when Ashton was only 10 months old and was crawling- we persuaded them to change their rules and allow a new category to the races for "crawlers." My mom and I had a little laugh when we realized they now offer a race for crawlers as the standard. I need to go into politics...look at all the changes i help create to make the world a better place!
THE SALINA PARADE
By the end of the day, you are exhausted...but it is so much fun for the kids and it is making memories to remember for a lifetime.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!
4 comments:
omgoodnes I love this for soooo many reasons. First, I love the small town tradition and festivities. LOVE. What memories you are still making for your kids! I used to do similar stuff where my dad is from, too...such good memories! Second, that picture of Troy and Ashton in the sack race is precious. Ashton is laughing so hard! I also love how there is a race for 1-2 year olds!! Most people wouldn't even bother! I know you've always gone to Aurora and now I can finally see it!! SO FUN!
I love the 4th in Utah as well...and every holiday is better in a small town...they always know how to party!!
Oh this whole thing is lovely! I haven't had any festivities or experiences in - uh - any recent memory at all. 4th of July is usually just another day for me, except you watch stuff explode, which is always fun. I hope to have some great family traditions someday!
I love it and now I want to go too. Can we go with you when we come back from Mexico? I love that they now have a crawlers division. They should name it after you. :) Oh and HB Mistie!
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