Quiet Fourth of July

We had made arrangements for Ben to come for a home visit on July 4, so we made no plans to do anything other than be home in our apartment.  Gary and Ben worked on their computers, Jena watched movies and I ironed--all in the same room.  We did have traditional 4th food with hot dogs, baked beans, macaroni salad, watermelon and chips.  On the way home, Ben told me thank you for allowing him to be with us for the day.  We liked having him there as well.

Loved the flags flying in the wind at the Capital
view from our balcony--probably took one last 4th of July as well--Oh well!

There are a large number of deer on the Utah State Hospital grounds, but we haven't seen any for 3 or 4 months, but after dropping off Ben I saw these along with 4 others eating grass.

We could hear fireworks going off but we could not see any because of the direction of our windows to the north.  Our specific area is a "no firework" zone.

A quiet July 4th--but it gave me time to consider that even with its many flaws, the United States as created is a remarkable place.  And because of its uniqueness, it allowed protection for the restoration of the gospel to take place.  Even though its many protections of religious freedoms didn't prevent significant persecutions and destruction in the early years.  Thank heavens for the United States!