Thursday, July 7, 2011

Happy Birthday, America!

July 4th. What a splendid day! Every year I look forward to the oh-so-wonderful summer holiday. The holiday that is filled with fireworks and food and family and fun! It is a day that I feel especially proud to be an American. It is a day to take my hat off to the country that I love and most importantly to those brave men and women who have and still continue to give up so much for me to live in this free land. The best country in the world. The United States of America.


There are many traditions that people have for this holiday, and my family is included in that. Over the years I have been a part of parades, fireworks, barbecues....the works! But there is one constant thing that my family does to celebrate. Utah State and Fireworks West puts on one quality fireworks show every year. Well, about 10 years ago, my family moved to the house we live in now. And now I know why my parents chose to buy this house. It's because we have a straight shot view of Romney Stadium from our backyard. Okay, so that's really not the reason, but it is definitely a perk! So when the fireworks are shot off, we can just tap into good ol' Q92 on the radio and watch the whole firework show from the comfort of our lawn chairs. It's a pretty sweet little set up. And I look forward to it more than probably anyone in my family.

So there's this sick little thing in life called Murphy's Law and it just happens to follow me wherever I go. I LOVE the fireworks so much, but get this. I haven't seen them for the past three years. Yep, that's right. Count them. T.H.R.E.E. For the past three years, I have been doing Pickleville and have a show the night of the fireworks. Which means I miss out on the treats, the music, the explosions in the sky...the whole enchilada. This year was no exception. But, this post isn't just a pity party for Megan. It's to show how INCREDIBLE my 4th of July was. Yes, I did miss the Logan fireworks, but I had a few other fun events happen. And once again, the 4th of July was one swell holiday! Here are a few pictures of the weekend.

I went down to the Stadium of Fire at Cougar Stadium in Provo. Yep, I'm definitely going to be making that a tradition. Here is the charming David Archuleta and his voice of gold.

My friend Carl and I enjoying the show.

Brad Paisley was the headline act. I knew he was good, but I didn't know he was THAT good. Wow, his talent was amazing. I'm definitely an even bigger fan now.
The actual firework show blew my mind. Seriously. The finale was unreal. I kept thinking to myself, "Why is this happening to me? Is this real life?" (quote from David After Dentist) But of course, I meant that because it was so awesome!
Here is a small clip of one of the numbers. And here is Murphy's Law in action again...right after I turned off my camera, some really sweet fireworks were shot off. Go figure. Oh well, this still gives a taste of what it was like to be there.


After the grand finale. Will I go again? You betcha!

On the actual 4th of July, my family had a big barbecue bash with the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...everyone. So my pops fired up the grill and did what he does best!
Part of the holiday feast. Mmmm it was tasty!
My dad and I have a very deep running love for watermelon. He taught me well, and I'm afraid that my love is now stronger. Sorry pops! :)
Matt and his good friend Brynnly.

Not a day goes by in the Bagley household that there is not a rousing game of ball. My cute brothers ballin' it up in the driveway.
Brynnly and myself watching the boys shoot hoops.
So, as of late, I have been into cooking. Thanks to Mel's Kitchen Cafe, I found a brilliant little recipe for a Festive Flag Cheesecake. I had never made cheesecake before, so I figured this was a perfect event to do so. Here is the finished product. Notice the flag? :)

Three generations right here. These two ladies are who I will one day become.

I am sooo greatly blessed. I have a beautiful family and wonderful friends. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunities that I have up to this point in my life. I know that I take so many things for granted, one of those being the fact that I live in a place like America. What a wonderful thing it is to live in a free country and enjoy the blessings that come along with that.
I am so proud to be an American. I truly am.

Here is a video of David Archuleta singing the National Anthem this year at the Stadium of Fire. He is flawless. You'll see. Directly after his performance, there was an F-16 flyover. You can hear it in this recording as well. What an awesome performance. And what an awesome reason to celebrate.

America, you sure are old, but I love you.
Happy Birthday!

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