This is what my 4th of July looked like:

Highlights included:

1) Kaysville City parade, complete with small town beauty queens, horses, marching bands, and numerous dance troupes. There was much taffy tossed our way and the Armed Forces Veteran’s float was my favorite. I cry every year when it goes past. One of the officers even saluted me … which only made me cry harder. I am so grateful.

2) A fantastic pot-luck picnic hosted by Frit’s sister-in-law. There was so much delicious food. We honestly ate. all. day. long. Frit’s contribution was this amazing black bean and corn salsa, while mine was rice krispie treats on a stick, dipped in caramel and then chocolate. Her brother-in-law also procured a swamp cooler (that was almost as big as the house), which was positioned outside next to the picnic tables. This might have single-handedly been the best idea of the day.

3) Taking turns on the bicycle-built-for-two. That was a hoot.

4) Fireworks. Fireworks. Fireworks. With Neal Diamond and Lee Greenwood streaming from the high school football stadium loud speakers. There really is nothing like laying on blankets in a big field with thousands of other people while lights explode directly above you. They seemed bigger this year, those fireworks. And somehow reachable, like I could just lift my hand and touch them.

I suppose that’s really what this country is about. The hope. The possibility. The opportunity. Of reaching up. Of catching hold of something big and beautiful. Of lighting up the world with the fireworks in your hand.