Proud to be an American

Our 4th of July was filled with celebration. We started the day running in the local 5k/10k race. Bryce and I and Clair and her family ran the 5k. Caroline ran the 10k. I didn't walk--and beat my goal time of 35 minutes by 3 minutes! Runners--don't mock me. I have never been a fast distance runner, and since surgery I have been even slower--so I was really happy with my time. Bryce ran with me and encouraged me toward the end when I started fading a bit. Caroline won 2nd place in the 10k and they handed her $50 as she crossed the finish line! Now she is earning prize money!

After the race we went to the neighborhood breakfast which feeds quite a lot of people. We then moved down the street and found a place to watch the parade. Bikes, 4-wheelers, old cars, heavy machinery. For a neighborhood parade it is really quite an event. Our friends Mike and Tammi joined us with Clair & family for the breakfast and parade.

We then went home to watch the all-American Wimbledon women's final. We didn't really care which sister won--but we have very much enjoyed watching Wimbledon this year and have really enjoyed watching the Williams sisters play for the past 10 years. Congratulations to Serena. Caroline kept saying that she could not play her sister under such grueling circumstances. They seem to keep it in perspective and keep their relationship intact.

Later in the afternoon we went out to dinner then joined thousands of other screaming fans watching the Jonas Brothers perform. And also watching fireworks and patriotic performances.

This year, Clint was watching fireworks over the Hudson River, Jacque and Dallin watched fireworks in the beautiful Sawtooths in Sun Valley, Kate watched fireworks over the ocean in San Diego--and Bryce, Caroline and I watched fireworks in one of our favorite stadiums. So--although we were spread throughout the country, I know that we all felt the pride of being American--and gratitude for this great country in which we live. Happy Birthday America!