Pride in Patriotism

For the Fourth of July Clint and I went to Idaho Falls.  (The Fourth is actually Clint's favorite holiday.)  I started out the day by running in the Firekracker 5k. (Yes, they spelled it with a K.)  The race was a bit lonely since I ran it by myself, but I still had fun. I've mostly been running on the treadmill this summer, and I  paid for it--my time wasn't very good. However, next year I will plan to do this race ahead of time (instead of just deciding to do it a few days before) and I will prepare with good speed workouts.  They give the top 100 finishers free running socks, and I intend to get some next year!

Next up on the agenda in Idaho Falls is Breakfast on the Boulevard.  A few families that live along the parade route host a pancake breakfast (with strawberries and cream) before the parade.  Yum!  After eating, we headed out to watch the parade.

Yes, I know I look ridiculous in that hat.  I promise I will never wear it again.  Also notice that I am trying to be patriotic by wearing my APA 5k T-shirt with the picture of the Capitol Building in DC.  However, I had to cover it up with a JACKET because it's actually cool in Idaho on the 4th of July.

After the parade we had a family BBQ, and I played lots of games with my niece Marisol.  And of course, we rounded out the evening with watching the fireworks show sponsored by Melaleuca. I do have to say, it's a pretty impressive show!

The next day we decided we were too tired to go hiking since we did a lot of hiking to and from the fireworks the night before.  We relaxed with the fam, watched Lyrics & Music (love that one!) and played cards with Clint's parents.  We played a fun game that Clint's parents called Mormon Rook.  I've played the game before under a different name, but I can't think of the name....

Anyway, when driving home Clint talked to some friends and we ended up meeting to go to an Ethiopian Restaurant.

The name may sound ridiculous, and the exterior may seem rather unassuming, but this place is a keeper.

It feels exotic to eat delicious curry with your hands (and bread).  We demolished most of this platter before I thought to get picture, but the wreckage shows you we enjoyed it, right? Be warned though: Do not spill turmeric-laced curry on your khaki pants!  I did, and the pants still haven't recovered.

If you're in Salt Lake, give this place a try. After dinner we grabbed some frozen yogurt at TCBY's--a very satisfying conclusion for a holiday weekend.