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ALEX AND ANI #CARRYLIGHT

My favorite jewelry company has a few new pieces out called the LIBERTY COPPER Collection. These new pieces include a bit of the original copper pieces from the Statue of Liberty. How cool is that?! The purpose of this collection is to spread a message of hope around the world. Join the campaign of making one light indivisible by sharing and answering one question: What do you #CARRYLIGHT for?

Stop into your local ALEX AND ANI store, their online store, or download and shop via the Alex and Ani App so you too can wear a Token of Living History! Shop the LIBERTY COPPER Collection at ALEX AND ANI Featuring Original Copper from the Centennial Restoration of the Statue of Liberty!

4TH of JULY in Los Angeles

I'm in L.A. with my Czech family right now which means I get to be in America for the 4th of July which happens to be my second favorite holiday. (Insert happy dance).

The backyard of the house we are staying in has a great view of the Hollywood hills.

I made sure to buy American flag clothing for everyone to wear.

We spent a fun day at the pool

with red, white, and balloon fun.

William is the new grill master and cooked up a yummy BBQ feast.

We ate and listened to some patriotic music.

Then around 8:30PM, fireworks started going off like crazy all across the valley.

I wish you could see the fireworks in this picture better. It was amazing. I have never seen so many firework displays going off at one time all throughout L.A.

We had a great view on top of Mulholland Drive.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

EAGLE SCOUT

My nephew Max completed a project where he hosted a 5k run to raise money to put benches in the Orem cemetery in honor of his father/my brother who recently passed away.

Here is a story about it posted in our local Daily Herald newspaper.

His Eagle Court of Honor ceremony was last week.

There was a live eagle presentation and the scouts were able pose with the beautiful bird while we were all reminded to live like an eagle in life.

Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

 Congratulations Max (and Chase)!

CANDY BOMBER

Have I mentioned that I am SO exited to be in the USA for the 4th of July?! Provo has been killing it with the festivities this year. I truly believe I am in the best city, in the best state, in the best country in the world this year to celebrate.

This year they are showcasing the best story of chocolate, bubble gum, and hope you will ever encounter. It is the story of Gail Halvorsen, a WWII hero known as the candy bomber.

 He will be doing his last candy drop in Orem over the Scera Park on July 3. It will be an event to remember and I am so excited to be a part of it.

If you don't know who he is, google his story. Be prepared for your heart to melt with happiness and love in knowing that there are good people in the world. You can also check his story out in the Meet the Mormons movie.

MEMORIAL DAY 2015

Memorial Day weekend was a little more special for me this year.

 I went to a service as part of Provo's Freedom Festival.

I haven't been in the country for over 8 years for the 4th of July and I am so excited for all of the patriotism summer brings. I live with the best people, in the best state, in the best country in the world. I am so thankful.

HOPE OF AMERICA

My niece and nephews (and a whole bunch of other school-aged children and various performance groups in the area) were able to take part in the America's Freedom Festival Hope of America celebration last night. It was fabulous!

 I love my America! I haven't been in the states for July 4 for years and that's make me sad because it is my second favorite celebration. 

 *(There was this one time I had the greatest idea of my life...stadium of fire...faithfully...)

 The house lights went down for the final number and the children used flashes as they sang. It was magical.

Here is a little video clip:

LOVING MY AMERICA

The 4th of July is my second favorite holiday. I have been out of the country for several years and haven't enjoyed it, but this year the holiday was all mine!

The hot air balloon fest was cancelled due to weather. So I went to the Freedom Festival Parade in Provo. 

 Next, headed to Krispy Kreme for some patriotic star breakfast.

 Third, I went to the Scera Park for the Colonial Festival. It was a fun event set up for visitors to know what life was like way back when.

 Learned all about the Constitution.

 We also learned about what it's like to be an immigrant in the US.

 To end the night, we were stuck in 1.5 hours of traffic after enjoying fireworks at Sugarhouse Park.

SO grateful for our country!