The different branches of the military in Utah held a lottery to select families to go to the Stadium of Fire at no cost to us. We were chosen to go along with families of deployed soldiers as well as soldiers who recently returned from deployment and other military families. I have never been, so this was all new. Nine years ago on the fourth I remember Shawn and I setting up our lawn chairs at a little lookout close to Sierra West in Orem (by the mall). We had a nice view of the stadium and were able to catch the fireworks. We consoled ourselves with the fact that we had a great spot and even went so far as to suggest that we had no need for the Stadium of Fire because it just couldn't get any better. Ooohhh the things we tell ourselves in these make- the -best -of -it moments! Um..... couldn't have been farther from the truth. The fireworks alone made the night. Not only was the Blue Man Group performing, but Hannah Montana as well. A few minutes after teh opening of the night, we walked out on to the field as the crowd clapped and cheered. Abi waved a flag and Maddie carried a sign that said, "We miss you Daddy!"
There was a vignette on screen of troops coming home and little tributes throughout the night. Maddie was tearful but happy and Abi pensive. I was completely caught up in watching my girls arms sway to songs and dance and shreik with the crowd. I was quickly reminded of some of the reasons little girls can be so fun. We were close to the front of the group and enjoyed the night. The fireworks took my breath away. Abi and Maddie loved the spy sequence and I think my favorite was the sequence set to Judy garland singing "Somewhere over The Rainbow", where the fireworks (the girls said) looked like dancing christmas lights in the sky. One of my favorite parts of watching any firework display is to look around at people as the light flashes across their faces. It seems that the magic is wasted on no one. As we walked out at the end, Abi declared that it was the best night of her life - ever. I can't think of a better way to have spent this day (except having Shawn by my side watching of course:)).
The different branches of the military in Utah held a lottery to select families to go to the Stadium of Fire at no cost to us. We were chosen to go along with families of deployed soldiers as well as soldiers who recently returned from deployment and other military families. I have never been, so this was all new. Nine years ago on the fourth I remember Shawn and I setting up our lawn chairs at a little lookout close to Sierra West in Orem (by the mall). We had a nice view of the stadium and were able to catch the fireworks. We consoled ourselves with the fact that we had a great spot and even went so far as to suggest that we had no need for the Stadium of Fire because it just couldn't get any better. Ooohhh the things we tell ourselves in these make- the -best -of -it moments! Um..... couldn't have been farther from the truth. The fireworks alone made the night. Not only was the Blue Man Group performing, but Hannah Montana as well. A few minutes after teh opening of the night, we walked out on to the field as the crowd clapped and cheered. Abi waved a flag and Maddie carried a sign that said, "We miss you Daddy!"
There was a vignette on screen of troops coming home and little tributes throughout the night. Maddie was tearful but happy and Abi pensive. I was completely caught up in watching my girls arms sway to songs and dance and shreik with the crowd. I was quickly reminded of some of the reasons little girls can be so fun. We were close to the front of the group and enjoyed the night. The fireworks took my breath away. Abi and Maddie loved the spy sequence and I think my favorite was the sequence set to Judy garland singing "Somewhere over The Rainbow", where the fireworks (the girls said) looked like dancing christmas lights in the sky. One of my favorite parts of watching any firework display is to look around at people as the light flashes across their faces. It seems that the magic is wasted on no one. As we walked out at the end, Abi declared that it was the best night of her life - ever. I can't think of a better way to have spent this day (except having Shawn by my side watching of course:)). 
3 comments:
You were there too?!? I'm gald you guys got to go on the field. I think that they should do that every year. I thought about you and Shawn and some other friends I have in the military when I saw all of the families walk out on the field yesterday. Love you guys! Thank you for the sacrifice that you all are making.
What a fabolous blog you have! The girls look beautiful, as always, and it saounds like you had a great time! You deserve it!
-Tami
Maddie's sign made me tear up. Those girls sure are cute and I am glad you guys got to go!
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