Little Valley Days in Mantua to celebrate the 24th of July. We did the usual festivities, went to the parade that morning(BTW, its the best parade ever...only like 15 minutes!), went and got a burger at the park that afternoon, then had a picnic later that night before going to the fireworks. Good times were had by all.
Jared and Matt watching the parade. Yes, they are dressed the same and, no, they are not twins...technically.
My sweet Grandma Lott passed away on Monday. It's been one of those, "it's good for her so she doesn't have to suffer anymore, but it's sad for us because we will miss her so badly." She was such a great woman. My grandma was the ultimate grandma, so sweet, loving, and just happy. I never heard my grandma say a bad word about anyone. Grandma always would hold your hand when your were talking to her, even when she was so sick and weak. I remember kneeling down by her to talk and she would always want to hold your hand. She just always wanted you to know how much she loved you and how special you were.
I have so many memories of her and my grandpa. We would go over to their house so many times when I was little. I just love that house and all the love that is there. Since my parents are divorced and we can't go home to the house that I grew up in, I guess that is how I feel when I walk into grandpa and grandma's home. I am filled with memories and love when I walk through the doors. It feels like home to me. I have so many memories of going camping with them and spending all of the holidays there. Going over to grandma's on Halloween for donuts and chili, hunting trips in the snow, grandma's cooking, her soft hands, her laugh, the love that my grandpa always showed her was amazing. They are the perfect example of love. They were high school sweethearts and were married for over fifty years. My grandpa took such good care of her these last few years, he is amazing.
Her funeral was today, it was so special. It was such a nice tribute to the great woman she was and the great example she will continue to be to all of us. I have the greatest grandparents in the whole world and I love them so much! I am so grateful to call you my grandma. You will be missed. I love you!
I'm a soccer fan. Always have been and always will be. In my opinion, soccer players are the ultimate athlete. I respect all athletes and their amazing talents, but as I was telling Jared yesterday, no basketball player or football player could keep up with a soccer player. People may disagree and so be it, but that's how I feel. Their fitness level is absolutely amazing. One time I met Mia Hamm and just about peed my pants and fainted all at the same time. She may or may not be my "idol" in a way. I used to have her jersey but I wore it so much that it was worn out and had to be retired. If I still had that jersey, I would have wore it proudly to work today!
Yesterday I witnessed maybe the greatest sporting event I have ever seen, for sure the best soccer game. It's the Women's World Cup in Germany right now, socccer's biggest stage. Team USA was playing one of the greatest teams, Brazil, in the quaterfinal. Loser goes home. Stakes are high. Had to DVR it because it started at the same time as church and I'm so glad I did.
Team USA scored quickly, 2nd minute of the game to be exact off an own goal by Brazil. It was an intense and physical match. In the 2nd half, one of the US players got red-carded( basically ejected) and the US had to play the rest of the match with 1 less player than Brazil. Brazil ended up tying the game on that penalty kick(controversy ensued and that should not have happened) but the game ended up going into extra time. I just have to say one more time what amazing athletes these are. They had just played 90 minutes of the most intense soccer and then had to play an extra 30, then penalty kicks if it was still tied after that. In 90 degree weather...
In extra time Brazil scored so the US HAD to tie it up or else they were going home. The minutes just kept ticking away, chance after chance being denied. I started to panic. 10 mintutes left, 5 minutes left, they were now into stoppage time. I almost turned off the TV, I had almost given up. Then with 1 minute of stoppage time...literally, the USA's last chance, they sprinted down the field 110 yards on a counterattack, and after a PERFECT pass from Rapinoe, Wambach headed it into the net for the equalizer!. I went nuts! I may even say I went insane! It was an instant classic and Sportscenter(and myself) cannot stop talking about it. I wish I knew how many times I chanted USA! USA! USA! They overcame all odds. The cards were stacked against them and they never gave up. Team USA ended up winning in the penalty kick shootout.
We went to Stadium of Fire last Saturday night in Provo. Let me just say, I can't put into words how proud I am to be an American. We are so blessed to live in a free country and I am so grateful to all the men and women who sacrifice their lives everyday so we can be free. I am so glad we have Independence Day to celebrate America.
USA! USA! USA!
I will admit, the reason I wanted to go to Stadium of Fire was to see Brad Paisley perform. But once I got there I realized most of the best parts were patriotic numbers. They had skydivers carrying the flag that landed in the stadium while "I'm Proud To Be An American" played over the loud speaker. Awesome! Then right after the National Anthem 4 F-16s flew over the stadium and I thought Jared was going to pass out due to the awesomeness of it.
It was amazing!
They got the party started with "Party In the USA" and having beach balls throughout the crowd. Fun, right?
Oh, and then there was Brad Paisley. Pretty sure he is the best. I just love his songs and he is so funny. He puts on a good show, that's for sure. Plus, he loves America, too!
Last but not least, a huge fireworks show set to music. So amazing! I have never seen so many fireworks! I wish I had the whole thing on video...
Needless to say, I will be attending again in future years. Big thanks to Kevin and Lorrie and Matt and Amy for the invite! We had a blast!
Getting ready for some fireworks!
YAY!
