Celebrating Independence Day in Tennessee

Fourth of July was sparklinggg. 

The first part of the day, Matt and I used our freedom to have a lazy day on the couch and rest. And watch a movie. And have my roommate get us doughnuts. Because she's selfless. 

And then we got ready and set for a full night ahead. Including dinner prepared and presented by Matt's incredibly talented parents (I seriously love having dinner at their house because every dish is unique, usually something I haven't had before, and even better than that: it's always delicious). They included BBQ candy bacon. IT WAS AMAZING. 

Then we played with fireworks. Which I was told never to do. For good reason. Some of my friends were not taught that. They chased each other around the outside of the house with them. 

Once it got dark, we watched the clouds covering the stars wondering if the pouring rain was going to continue and cancel any chance of a firework show. But it seemed that luck was on everyone's side that night to celebrate American independence because it cleared in time for the show.

We drove over to the the LDS Nashville temple, parked our car, and joined our friends in some games, sparklers, and eating Otter pops. Then we positioned ourselves on the available blankets and watched the little firework show over the hill. 

By the time we got home, I was pretty tired. But we still had our large fireworks left that Matt had bought. Like the legit sort of fireworks. Not just the poppers, but the ones that you place in the road and run away from so you don't get hurt, and you watch as they shoot out of their container and explode in the sky above you. And you feel like you've created your own colorful show.

After those we're expended, we finalized the night watching some of the Nashville show on television — the one that was complete with an orchestra matching the extravagant show. And although it was beautifully done, and attracted a huge audience, I was really grateful for the intimate experience we all had together that night as friends. There was something really beautiful about being next to the temple and seeing the angel Moroni and remembering God and all that He's done for us, and the agency I've been given, and that has been secured for me by our country — to have grown up knowing what freedom is. 

I'm grateful.