Our 4th of July Celebration began on Saturday, June 30th by getting up early in the morning to be a part of the annual Taylor tradition of following the anvil around town. They blow up the anvil at 4am and then drive it around town, stopping periodically to blow it up again. The truck carrying the anvil is followed by trucks pulling trailers, which carry the band, who blast their instruments to the tune of patriotic songs, waking everyone in the town up. Also following the anvil, is hundreds of trucks, quads, riding mowers, whatever people want to ride, fire trucks, ambulances, 3 wheelers, rangers, golf carts, etc. Everyone is excited and singing and cheering and some even throw water balloons and silly string. Its quite a sight! Then the procession stops at the ball park and the marathon is started with another firing of the anvil. Let me tell you - IT IS LOUD!
After the Procession, we drove our quads and ranger back home and had biscuits and gravy, eggs, and bacon for breakfast. YUM! Then we went into town for the Patriotic Program. The Taylor Stake Center was decorated in Red, White, and Blue and the band played awesome patriotic songs as servicemen and women stood up in the crowd as their song was played. It was very moving.
When we got home from the program, we all went for a long ride on the quads and ranger. Josh and his friend, Brian, rode one quad, Amy and Eliza rode the other, and Vance, Mom, Layton, and I rode in the ranger. We had a fun time. Nothing like feeling the cool wind in your face. This picture was taken on the street where we live. Willow Lane. Isn't it beatiful?
Then we went to the BBQ at the Pavillion at the Rodeo Grounds, where we ate good food and met up with Vance's parents. Then we drove to Dairy Queen because Eliza thinks that is the tradition every time she comes up. Heaven forbid we don't go! :) We stopped at a small craft fair, where we bought homemade jams and then we all went home and had a nap before the rodeo began. We got to the rodeo at about 5:45pm so we could get good seats before it started at 7pm. Before the rodeo began, the rodeo queens rode out on their horses with American flags and did a little routine. It was pretty.
Then of course they blew up the anvil again. 3 times! You can see the anvil flying above the smoke. Vance plugged my ears for me while I took this picture.
Then the rodeo began with the National Anthem. Below is a picture of the flags.
The picture below is of a little girl in a cowboy hat who kept standing up to raise her flag. It was so precious so I took a picture.
One of our very favorite events at the rodeo is the bull riding. Its always the last event.
This picture of the American flag is one of my favorite memories of the whole day because, even though its a bad picture taken on my phone, it is the symbol of our country, set against the backdrop of lights from the place I call my home, Taylor, AZ. BEAUTIFUL!
And the part we all look forward to every year, and even drive up from the valley to see, the fireworks! And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air...
My mom and sister and niece came up for the celebrations!
Vance and Layton love the rodeo too!
And even though Josh and Brian tried their best to get out of going, they liked the rodeo too. Especially since they went to the dance afterwards and hung out with some pretty ladies.
Vance's parents came and watched the rodeo with us. We were just one big happy family.
I love the 4th of July. I love that everyone is happy and friendly and we have a good time together but I love even more, being reminded that we have these good times because of the sacrifice of so many people who loved this country so much that they were willing to fight, and even to die, for it. And even still today, brave men and women fight to defend our country and I am so grateful. I am grateful that Heavenly Father created this beautiful world and I am grateful for good, righteous people in leadarship positions who try to keep it safe and uncorrupted. I am blessed to live here and raise a family here. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
