Fourth of July 2010

Our Independence Day celebrations lasted three days for us this year. Neil and I spent a Friday date night on the 2nd exploring Main Street. We ended at the Arts Center where we experienced the Symphony of the Southwest showcasing patriotic classics, followed by a touching presentation on the Founding Fathers. The presentation blended stories from the Revolution with beautiful artwork and music. On Saturday, the 3rd of July, the Andersen Family gathered for a party. We ate lots of yummy food, played with water baloons, slip n' slides, and swimming pools in the backyard, had a donut-eating contest, and ended the night with a patriotic devotional. Grace enjoyed all the food and playing with her cousins. She parked herself infront of their left-overs and picked at their half-eaten dishes. Grace also had a good time playing with her toddler cousins. They threw water balloons together and swam in the baby pools. After our children were asleep for the night, Neil and I climbed on top of our roof and watched the Main Street fireworks show. Day Three of our celebrations was Sunday. Sacrament meeting was a Fast-and-Testimony meeting where lots of members expressed their gratitude for our Country. The meeting was filled with the Spirit as we recognized the significance of our free country. The Restoration of the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ took place here in the United States of America, because of the religious freedom which was established just over 50 years before the Church was organized. How we honor our inspired Founding Fathers! This is just a cute picture  before family prayer.