Happy Fourthday!

So patriotism is all well and good as a culturally accepted virtue, but can I just say that the Fourth of July is even better when there's a birthday to celebrate? We loved celebrating the Birth of our Nation with our fellow citizens, and I always get choked up watching veterans march in the parade, but I must say the highlight was celebrating 29 great years of Jeremy's life. Here's to a happy Fourth and to a happy birthday for my favorite person.

To commemorate this epic celebration, please enjoy this footage of Clara dancing to the parade. Note that her movements are somewhat restricted by her seat in the backpack and by the fact that she's clutching a soybutter and jelly sandwich with two hands. Nevertheless, she is obviously a girl who loves The Dance.

Happy Days

One of the worst things about the temporary separation in our family is that we have missed spending two very special days together: Father's Day and of course--the most special day of all--my birthday: the big 2-8. But from what I hear Jeremy was well taken care of on Father's Day, for which I am grateful, and I certainly have been well taken care of on this most special of days. My mom treated me to a fantastic lunch at Sundance, and then to a ridiculous piece of chocolate/strawberry/cream cake at a little Italian restaurant in downtown Provo. My sister watched Clara for me, Jeremy's parents invited me to a fun birthday fete last night, my brother made two special trips just to say Happy Birthday, and my nieces and nephews have treated me to various renditions of "Happy Birthday" since this morning. Great times.

So thank you to everyone for taking such prodigious care of my family and me. And don't feel too bad for us: at least we'll be together for Jeremy's birthday!