The Fun of Independence

I love the 4th of July. I really do. It's so much fun to gather with friends and/or family (and thousands of strangers) and take time to remember how lucky we are to enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. This year we celebrated with our friends, the Packers, by attending all the Murray city fun. Apparently Kurt's family runs the Murray 5K every year, and since Amanda suffers from ouchy running knees (that's the proper medical term, right?) she always gets left in the dust because Kurt and his family all have the unnatural (and totally unfair) ability to run with ridiculous ease. So I was thrilled to join her in the non-competitive form of walking the 5K, while the babies enjoyed the ride in their strollers. We were the most awesome moms out there! We know that because all the lazy people sitting on the sidelines kept yelling "GO MOMS!" We were lightning quick and finished the race in 52 minutes and ahead of a whopping 5-6 people. I wish they would've given out a "longest time" award. We would've taken it home for our age group. In this case, I'm afraid slow and steady really doesn't win the race. But we had a great time. Here's Amanda and I nearing the finish line. Hot mamas comin' through!
**A big thanks to Kurt and Amanda for the use of their pictures, since Brandon didn't figure out how to use our camera properly until well after the race was over.





After Amanda and I finished our race with pride, the kids lined up for the Kids 1K Fun Run. Look how cute they are...







Minutes into the kids race, McKenna became overwhelmed and began to cry. She wasn't feeling well that morning, and I think all the kids flying past her left her self-esteem feeling a bit bruised (I understand sweetie!) So Brandon was a trooper and he carried her the remainder of the race. Mathew was awesome and ran his little heart out. Savannah (Kurt and Amanda's daughter) kicked butt, coming in 3rd place for her age group. And Owen wasn't far behind. I'm afraid my kids inherited my athletic ability (or lack thereof).

Here's a quick video of McKenna and Mathew (and Brandon) nearing the finish line. (Hopefully this video will actually work)



After all the races were complete, we all gathered to enjoy refreshments and our success, and of course pose for more pictures.





Here's my kids crowding in on the Packer cousin picture. They were all so proud showing off their shiny medals.



Once picture time was over, we stayed a little longer to watch the parade and then took off to enjoy a big breakfast at Village Inn. After breakfast, Brandon and I took the kids home for a few hours where we all enjoyed a big fat nap. I am thankful that I have been given the freedom to sleep when I want to (as long as the kids cooperate).

Feeling refreshed after a long nap (and a long shower for me), we headed out for greasy hamburgers and cheese fries at The Training Table. What's more American than burgers, cheese fries, and Coke? As the sun was getting ready to set, we met back up with the Packers and watched the Murray City fireworks from the comfort of their grandparent's lawn. I'm so glad we have nice friends with nice families who let us barge in on their plans.

During the fireworks, Mathew wanted to hold Nathaniel. Are these not the most precious pictures in the world?





The rest of the weekend was crazy busy and filled with even more great family, friends, and food. I love this country and I am so grateful for the freedoms I enjoy. I know I complain a lot about wanting this or that, but I seriously could not ask for more.