Ward Breakfast
Mom and Dad Lewis and Kelly and Shara came over and joined us for our Ward Breakfast. They had a great program with Zola Dixon sharing a reading about the day the Declaration of Independence was signed and what happened to the signers - that they gave their fortunes and lives in support of the cause. Hamilton's did a family number complete with Tyler playing her cello and Britain playing bass with Rob and Hannah singing. Just knowing that Rob has served our country in the military made me want to cry as they were singing.
Then we got to do our part where we did a very short mini reenactment of the first 24th of July celebration after the Saints arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. Even though they had been driven from their homes and not protected by corrupt government administration, those pioneers chose to honor and uphold the constitutional principals that this country was founded upon and that their fathers and grandfathers had fought to establish. They encouraged their children to remember:
"As we have inherited the spirit of liberty and the fire of patriotism from our fathers, so let them descend unadulterated to our posterity."
Then I read "The Mountain Standard" written by Parley P. Pratt and sung at the original event:
THE MOUNTAIN STANDARD.
Lo! the Gentile chain is broken—
Freedom's banner waves on high.
List, ye nations: by this token,
Know that your redemption's nigh.
See, on yonder distant mountain,
Zion's standard wide unfurled;
Far above Missouri's fountain,
Lo! it waves for all the world.
Freedom, peace and full salvation
Are the blessings guaranteed;
Liberty to every nation,
Every tongue and every creed.
Come, ye Christian sects and pagan,
Pope and Protestant and priest—
Worshipers of God and Dagan,
Come, O come, to Freedom's feast.
Come, ye sons of doubt and wonder,
Indian, Moslem, Greek or Jew;
All your shackles burst asunder—
Freedom's banner waves for you.
Cease to butcher one another—
Join the covenant of peace;
Be to all, a friend—a brother,
This will bring the world's release.
Lo! our King, the great Messiah,
Prince of Peace, shall come to reign;
Sound again, ye heavenly choir,
Peace on earth, good will to men.
Then we sang as a family "God Bless America" with Brent playing his harmonica. It was pretty fun!
Parade Fun!!
What is the 4th of July without going to the parade? It was fun to see the children cheer. Next year I think I want to enter a float or something. It was a fun parade - but I really missed the High School Bands and it ended too soon! After the Parade we stopped by Gilbert and Deanna's home for a BBQ.
Amber's Baptism
The best and most important thing that happened today was Amber being baptized by her father! We are so proud of her and it was so sweet to witness. Amber looked so beautiful in her white dress her Mother had made. We love you Amber O.! It was very special to hear and witness David baptizing and confirming his daughter. I also appreciated very much the testimony Dad Orton shared. Of his love of the gospel and that Amber, through baptism, and through the blessings of the atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ, was opening the gate that would lead us back to our Savior and our Father in Heaven, and how proud our Heavenly Father is when his children choose to be baptized and follow him. It was very special.
Firework Fun!
After the baptism we had a yummy BBQ at Dave and Penny's home, followed by fun fireworks and Brent and Jane went swimming at the hotel with the Orton crew. I loved watching the children's excitment with the fireworks. Paul would say hooray so loud and fun. John loved being with Nicole and Richard and Merrillee. He claimed them for his own! Jane also was very cute to watch her dance and play with her cousins. It was a great day! We didn't get home until late late late. (I am sure it was the same for a lot of people because at church on Sunday everyone looked a bit tired and the primary children were extra 'reverent'!) It was a fun day!
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