2 Bums on University Avenue

So before I do a blog about the wonderful, family-bonding event we all partook in (aka the 4th of July parade), I thought it be appropriate to give you a little background knowledge of the events that took place leading up to that wonderful morning. See that picture? Yep, that's what Brooke and her friend, McKenna got to know REALLY well for about 13 hours. Due to the somewhat illogical fact that we are the only single ones (thanks Holly!) left in the family we got nominated to sleep out on the parade route the night before. Thanks to our cousin Melissa who went outside of her work and roped off a giant portion of Zions Bank we only had to start around 3pm on the 3rd. Dad took the first shift since we were with all the grandkids at 7 peaks. By the way, the lazy river was F-A-B-U-LOUS!!! Anyway mom's friend, Katie King took a shift and then McKenna and I relieved her and her daughter around 9pm. It was quite the piece of territory to defend but I knew we were up to the challenge. We brought the pillows, blankets (for padding not warmth since it was like a bazillion degrees until early morning hours!) the portable DVD player to watch movies, books on reading our palms (my fate line is "freaking awesome" as McKenna says!!!), and enough caffeine to help us keep a positive attitude about this little adventure everyone back in their soft beds called FUN!


Unfortunately with a lot of caffeine comes many trips to the bathroom. But where would one go at 2am when camping on the side of University Avenue? Oh, don't you fret. We found the answer to our bladders problem on the far side of a close-by parking lot. We quickly nicknamed her "Honey" and traumatic memories of girls camp quickly came flooding back to us! Much to our surprise Honey and all her friends were brand spanking new and even came equipped with a hand sanitizer dispenser. Now we're talking! They must have hired a woman to help design these beauties! We only had to visit Honey a few times before the sun came up and Burger King opened its doors. Sadly, Honey was much more clean than the King.


The night was full of noise, bugs, and too many rocks in the ground to count. I think we both got a total of three hours of sleep. That is, when we add our time together! We were visited by all sorts of unique individuals including a drunk who wanted to pick any flower he saw growing. Luckily for us there was a HUGE rose bush right where we were so that was fun! McKenna was so mad she told him to leave us alone and Brooke thought for sure they were going to be killed right there and then. Who knew that every person who owned a motorcycle or moped in Utah Valley would come and visit us while honking their horns and revving their engines?! Yep, indeed they did grace us with their presence. Mostly between the hours of midnight and 3am. By 6am we were wide awake and we couldn't help but laugh at all the people coming with hopes of finding a spot to see the parade. I just smiled as they walked by and wished them good luck, as all the good spots had been taken over 15 hours earlier. They were a little late I'd say! Mom and Dad were the first ones to show up and relieve us so we could go to the bathroom and brush our teeth. Mom decided to "man" the station and watch for Craig since he was running in the 5k. When we got back she had her camera out and a look of confusion on her face saying she didn't see him. That was about the same time we got the phone call saying they over slept and were now on their way! Oops, I guess that would make sense now why we couldn't find him. NO mom! You're not losing it!!! With the balloons overhead and kids showing up even McKenna and I will admit we were excited for the parade to start. Thanks Holly and Martin for providing the donuts for the pre-parade!! Stay tuned for a play-by-play of the 4th of July parade. Thanks to 2 bums on the side of University Avenue you'll be able to enjoy it! (Tips are always welcomed!!!)