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!