4th of July Birthday Bash

I don't know about you, but we celebrated America's Independence Day July 3rd-July 5th. It was awesome. Mike was around all three days, we were surrounded by loved ones, good food and perfect weather. Here's how our weekend played out.

I started off the festivities by running a new half marathon, the Freedom Half Marathon. It's by far my new favorite half, the course couldn't have been more perfect. It started in Emigration Canyon (one of my favorite places to run) had lots of downhill, some good steep, short climbs, mostly paved road but had some dirt trail too, and ended at the State Capital building. Throughout most of the race you had great views overlooking the valley. I felt good and strong the entire time. According to my garmin I cut 6 minutes of the last half marathon I ran. Phew. However I sort of ran the race unofficially. Unfortunately with this being the first year of the race the race wasn't very organized. When I went to pick up my packet the day before the race, I had to wait for my packet (some of the packets hadn't arrived yet. Don't know why.) then they didn't have my timing chip. Some of the timing chips hadn't been shipped yet. So they told me to pick up my chip in the morning before the race starts. No problem I thought. Most of the runners parked at the State Capital building and took buses to the start, well I had my cute mom drop me off at the start, that way I wouldn't have to wake up quite so early, (sleep is precious) to take the bus to the starting line. Well since I didn't go to the Capital to take the bus I never got my chip. I don't know why I thought it would be at the starting line, instead of where you would pick up the bus. Duh.I wasn't thinking. Oh well. No big deal, I had my garmin so I knew what my time would be. The race was supposed to start at 7:00 a.m. but when it was 7:00 a.m. nothing was happening. In fact when I got to the start of the race, there wasn't an official start set up, no timing pads for chips, no flags, not even a spray painted line for a starting line. Word starting spreading that there were still two buses on their way, and the race director was following behind them. Poor guy, I'm sure he was very stressed and frustrated with the situation. Anyway some people starting talking about just going ahead on the race before it started. People starting leaving one by one. Since I had no idea how long it would take for the race to actually start, and since I didn't have my timing chip I wouldn't have official results anyway, I thought, "Why not just go?" I couldn't be gone all morning, I had a baby at home that would need to be fed, so I followed along and left before the race actually started. I still ran 13 miles, didn't run the .1, I didn't feel like I could cross the finish line since I hadn't started when the race officially began. Still so worth it. Regardless of the poor organization for the packets, the start line and the chips, the race itself was well supported and well run. There was plenty of water spots, lots of porta potties, and a clearly marked course. Put it on your list of races to do for sure.

Even though there will not be official results for me, here is proof I was there and I DID run it.

(photo taken from zazoosh)

We spent the rest of Saturday swimming and barbecuing at Mike's parents' home. Of course I was lazy and didn't take any pictures. But we had a great time and loved being with family. After we put one sad, tired baby to bed, Mike and I sat in our driveway and had the perfect view of one of the many firework shows going on. It was the perfect way to watch the fireworks, no crowds, great view, comfy chairs, and our baby was safely asleep inside her crib.

On the actual fourth of July we decided last minute to have family over for our own firework show. Mike bought some cheap fireworks so we weren't sure how great of a show it would actually be. I'll be honest, the fireworks weren't amazing but we had such a good time.

It ended up being quite the party. This cute older couple who are our next door neighbors came over for the show. We also had one random girl from the neighborhood, who I had never seen before, ask if she could also join in. Why not, right? The more the merrier!

The Erickson kids. We always love when they come into town.

Derek was probably my favorite that night. He got so excited with each firework that went off, no matter how big or small.

Don't be jealous of our amazing firework show.

What you see above is about as good as it gets.

We had such a great time and can't wait for the Mike Walker 2011 firework show. Maybe next time we'll spend more than 12 bucks on fireworks.

Little did Mike and I know July 5th was considered a holiday too. After being at work for an hour and a half, they sent Mike home for the rest of the day. Wahoo! We spent the rest of the day relaxing in 80 degree weather and playing with our baby.

Love this fuzzy haired baby.

Check out those bottom teeth.

Charlotte loves her dad. Can't blame her.

After we put the babus to bed Mike and I enjoyed roasted marshmallows and making smores over our grill. So tasty. So perfect for a summer night.

What a great holiday. Happy Birthday America!

What did you do for the fourth of July?

Do you have any favorite traditions for this holiday?

Did you watch fireworks or set off your own?

Did you know the fourth of July is one of MY favorite holidays?

Ever make smores over a grill?

Please share!