So Saturday was the 4th of July. Which is my very favorite holiday. I LOVE living in London but I must say that it is one time that I REALLY missed the US. To make up for the extreme lack of US patriotism here I have been listening to "American" music all week (everything from patriotic hymns to classic rock that makes me think of my home) and we had a BBQ with a few people from church and some from Brent's office. We thought it was really funny that we celebrated American Independence Day in England with people from Trinidad and South Africa.
Brent, Roland & Nadia, Brent's co-worker (from Trinidad)
L to R: Damon, Paige & Caitlyn from church and Calvin & Carike from work (they are all from S. Africa)
How can you have the 4th of July without burgers, potato salad, watermelon, rootbeer floats and other tasty treats? That would just be wrong. I also made my favorite southern dessert, Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake, to represent my (secret) Texas pride. The funniest part was the rootbeer floats. Most of them had never even heard of rootbeer before. They all loved it of course!
There are several reasons I love the 4th of July more than any other holiday (yes, including Christmas!) which include but are not limited to:
-the awesome music
-fireworks
-parades
-BBQ's
-and probably most importantly I am a huge history nerd and just plain patriotic! My life revolves around my family and my religion both of which wouldn't exist without the inspired foundation and opportunities of my country.
The 4th of July also is a special day for another reason, a more romantic reason. It is the anniversary of our engagement. 6 years ago Brent asked me to marry him while we were sitting in the
FDR memorial in Washington DC just before the fireworks started. I had been out in DC to visit him during his internship that summer and he surprised me with a proposal. On my favorite holiday, in one of my very favorite cities. Does he know me well or what?
Us visiting the DC temple 2 days after we got engaged
I have been searching YouTube to find the perfect tribute to my fave holiday and almost went with The Mormon Tabernacle Choir version of Battle Hymn of the Republic or the Charles Ray version of America the Beautiful but this morning I was browsing Facebook and found that my friend had posted something even more beautiful and fitting and it combines 2 of my loves. Thanks, Susie!
So, here's to you America! We love you and miss you!
5 comments:
Don't Tread on Me!
I've never met anyone who loved the 4th of July as much as you do. Seriously. People never say that as their favorite holiday. I like that! I'd say you guys celebrated pretty well for not being in the US!
There is something about being in another country during the Fourth of July! When I was in Central Asia, all my students would say, "Congratulation!" And, it suddenly becomes very important to show others how to celebrate! Going all out, with a picnic- playing frisbee... I made a flag sheet cake, with blueberries and raspberries as the important details. We spit watermelon seeds. They requested we sing the National anthem. I glad you were able to celebrate and celebrate big! (And, bring a little Texas for people to enjoy! Ha!)
Happy 4th, don't worry about the fireworks, you'll get them, just in November instead!
So funny. I had no idea you love that holiday so much. That's really random... but super cool. I love the picture of you and Brent. You look the same I think... in a good way of course. :)
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