I Love Being Patriotic in Provo ...

Call me crazy,

but I LOVE the freedom festival parade

in Provo.

It is my favorite thing about living here.

Here are a few of my favorite things ...

I love feathered hats,

and I love marching bands.

Love them.

Like goosebumps on the arms love them.

Did I say I love feathered hats?

(BTW ... can this be the place where I discuss my serious

dislike for pageantry flags that don't match the

outfits?

Why would you pick a neon orange and pink flag

while wearing forest green and white uniforms?

It seriously bugs.)

I love being able to thank Orin Hatch for inspiring

Conan O'Brien to write a Christmas song for Mormons.

I love watching tubas.

I get misty eyed watching rows of scouts carrying American flags.

I also cried when the crowds stood and gave a standing ovation

to some troops just home from Afghanistan.

I love when I can sing "Oh, ho the Wells Fargo wagon

is a coming down the street. Oh, please let it be for me."

and it be legit.

I love when people put a couch on top of a jazzy and ride around town.

Brilliant.

I love feeling the "Y" pride.

"Go Cougars!"

I love singing "Riding in a Surrey with the Fringe on the Top"

and hanging out with people named Midge.

I love watching the whole Provo mission march in the parade,

and see the crowds go wild!

And I love that the Assistants to the President

got to ride in style in their own car!

But really,

I love llamas,

and flying pigs.

I mean,

if those don't scream

"AMERICA"

to you ...

Hope you had a happy 4th!