Our 4th of July Celebration!!!

We had a fun and exciting long weekend. Danny had to work the night before the 4th so Malik and I together with my friend, Josie, and her sisters had a nice long walk on university avenue and center street. University Avenue on both sides of the street was packed with people camping or just reserving their spots for the parade the next day . It was fun to see different booths with either food, clothes, toys, or games. I didn't have my camera with me but Malik was so happy to be out. He was smiling and laughing the whole time we were out. There was also a live band playing, it was so much fun to be out and just enjoyed all the things that went on on center street in Provo. It was kinda late by the time we finally headed home but Malik was still wide awake from the eventful night.
The morning of the 4th of July was crazy! I signed up to do a 5K marathon earlier on the week that started at 7am. Danny got home at 6:45 am or so and found me still snoring in bed. He woke me up and I quickly threw my stuff together and headed out the door. The traffic was really bad and most streets were already blocked off in preparation for the race. Danny dropped me off right on 9th East and him and Malik took off to Kuwanis Park to watch the Hot Air Balloons took off.



At about 2 minutes before the race started, I finally got to where the race supposed to start from and found out that it had moved about 2 blocks away. Oh, my gosh talk about stressed... I quickly ran over there and to my surprise there were people everywhere I mean there were literally 3400 other runners. To make things worst, I had picked up Jen's running package and I was supposed to find her in this crazy crowd so she could have her running number and laser chip(you tie it to your shoe lace and it suppose to record your time when you cross the finish line) before the race started. With a plastic bag in one hand and my laser chip on the other hand, I began my endless search. I knew there was no way I could locate her before the race started so I decided to find someone friendlier to help me put on my laser chip on my shoes. One nice lady helped me and I thought that was thoughtful of her to do. Just then I glanced over and realized that the race was about to start. I quickly hurried over to find a bush near by to hide Jen's package in because there was no way I could drag it with me in the race. As I was looking around where to hide it in, I heard a voice, "There you are...", it was Jen. I couldn't be more thankful than to find her. The race started right after that but Jen and I had to find Manu. Everyone began running while Jen and I tried to find Manu. I swore it was probably a whole 5 minutes after the race started that we finally found Manu and started running.

What a morning! I was already tired from all the running around and the confusion by this time and not to mention I didn't get a good sleep last night. As we got down to University Avenue, people that had camped there from the night before had just gotten up and started cheering us on. That kinda helped. But the smell of pancakes, eggs, and bacons from people cooking their breakfast finall got to me and I seriously had to walk for a bit before I threw up. It didn't sit well in my stomach. I finally got to the finish line about 39 mins and 45 secs or so. It was 9 minutes slower than my last 5K marathon. But I was just glad that it was over. My next one in a week better improve... But as I ran toward the finish line, I noticed my two babies standing on one side of the road, cheering me on. It was nice to see them. I got to the finish line and felt so light headed since I hadn't eaten anything since dinner last night. But I got myself a cute little medal that I proudly gave Malik to wear throughout the day and a cool mash race shirt. Danny and Malik finally found me over the crowd and we took couple of pics before headed over to locate a spot on University Avenue to watch the parade.











We got lucky this year and found a spot not too far from our house to watch the parade and it was perfect because we had shade the whole time watching the parade and awesome view of the parade. The parade lasted for about 2 hours. Malik was very much enjoying himself watching so many people and especially the noises that went on. He was waving and clapping his hands especially at the girls :)






Danny enjoyed watching the big trucks and he took so many pictures of them. The whole time he kept saying that would be his future vehicle. Yeah, whatever honey, as I mumbled under my breath...:)

My favourite part of the parade was seeing GLENN BECK. For those of you who don't know who he is - He's a well known American radio/television/commentator host and author. Both Danny and I just love watching his shows and especially because he is a MORMON. You gotta read his autobiography. It's very interesting how he became a member. I couldn't believe he was that close by and he even waved at me.... Thanks GLENN!!!

My next favourite thing was watching these 2 guys that walked by with this funny costumes and trying to shake hands with the crowd. Everyone around us all had smirk on their faces as they walked by. I was trying so hard not to laugh when I asked them for a picture. It was pretty funny. Danny was less amused by it but I thought it was hilarious!!!

Below is a picture of the Samoan 9th ward parade. Check out the tattoos on the lady's legs... That's gotta hurt.


Check out the cute little baby inside that huge pot. The poor little baby was crying when they walked by us. She was probably so hot :(. It was a cute idea though...












We went home right after the parade and crashed. We were all so tired Because I was so exhausted from my race and Danny didn't sleep at all last night because he was at work and Malik from cheering for the girls at the parade. We slept for about 3 to 4 hours and we got up and got ready and went out to eat at Goodwood BBQ. On our way home we stopped by Marcy for some fireworks. Danny went all out with his purchase that I got on his case for that. Well, we got home and slept some more. We woke up later on in the evening and made our way to the Hinckley's Building to watch the stadium of fire.

I still have some more pics for those of you who are interested but I will have to post them later. Oh, and later on that night we went and watched the stadim of fire. It was a blast! Stay tune for more pics and explanation of that event!!!