Celebrating our Independence

This year we decided we were staying in Joseph City to celbrate the 4th. We usually go out to Woodruff, but sadly there isn't much going on out there anymore. It used to be the funnest day of the year in Woodruff! The day would start with breakfast cooked and served by the Elders and then there was always a short program with patriotic songs and usually a tribute to some of the older people in the community (Kind of like a Hall of Fame thing). Then the footraces, and water balloon volleyball, softball, and volleyball or basketball inside the church when it got too warm to play outside. Then deffinently a dip in the river to cool off before heading into the fireworks. I missed seeing all the friends I grew up with though. The fourth is still the one day out of the year that almost everyone comes home to visit. So maybe next year we'll go out for breakfast and come back home for the celebration later on in the day here.

The Chamber put on a really fun celebration, with carnival/old fashioned games. The day started with a red white and blue parade. Kids, and adults too dressed up in R,W, & B or decorated their bikes or strollers and paraded down Main St. Then there was a flag raising ceremony and Melisa Farnes sang the National Anthem. There was a waterslide, dunk tank, putting green, ring toss, a game where you bounced a ping pong ball into a cup (and won a real goldfish), pony rides, horse shoes, and my favorite a sand volleyball tournament.

Jarrod, Misty, Al and I competed in the tournament. We had a lot of fun! Our first game started out a little shaky, but somehow we pulled it off. We didn't fare so well our second game. We ended up losing to team Mosier. But we had a lot of fun and that's all that matters, right?

After the tournament, it was lunch time so we all headed up to the house, ate lunch and took a dip in the pool. Wish I had gotten more pictures, but I was too busy playing and having fun.

I am so greatful to live in this wonderful country and to enjoy all the freedoms that we are blessed with. I'm proud of my roots and my upbringing in the gospel. So thankful to have the freedom to choose to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Can't wait until this time of year rolls around again.