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Good morning!

I’m thrilled to say, TGIF – finally! Right? AND, Ben just officially declared it the start of my weekend (my birthday is on Monday). Wheeee!!

Well, last night’s festivities couldn’t have taken place on a more picture perfect evening.

The sun was shining, the sky was cloudless, and there was a great turnout at the capital for the Yankee Doodle Pops symphony concert and fireworks display!

This is Iowa’s capital building, ICYWW.

It’s a beaut!

Ben met me and my parents directly from work, but not before picking up some goodies for the group…

Cookies!!

Ohhh, this man knows me so well. Exactly what I was craving!

I also sipped on a cold Diet Mt. Dew. Fun Fact: Ben and I call Diet Mt. Dew "always more" – as in, "hey grab me an always more at the store, will you?" Because, well, we always want more Diet Mt. Dew. It is so good. I know.

Everyone was in a cheerful mood.

I think I’m going to let my hair grow back out. What do you think?

Family!

There was a jazz band that warmed up the crowd for about an hour, then the Yankee Doodle Pops took the stage around 8:30.

They played for about an hour, and even did a few numbers with Iowa’s own Simon Estes. He performed a couple of songs, including one that he’ll be singing at the finals of the World Cup in South Africa!

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the symphony pulled out all the stops.

They proudly played the classic 4th of July tunes like the 1812 Overture, Yankee Doodle and Hooray for the Red, White & Blue as the dazzling display of fireworks exploded overhead.

Goosebumps, I’m tellin’ ya’!

This was my parent’s 24th year in a row of going to the Yankee Doodle Pops concert and fireworks at the capital, and I’m close behind. It’s a wonderful tradition that we look forward to every year. Proud to be an American!  

I didn’t climb into bed until nearly 11:00, so I slept in a bit this morning and whipped up a quick, on-the-go breakfast. 

 Multigrain Cheerios. Perhaps my favorite type of Cheerios.

Creamy almond butter.

And a Pink Lady Apple.

To be sliced and dunked! 

Lunch is some leftover Cold Sesame Peanut Noodles.

I seriously, seriously love this dish!

It would be really good to take to a picnic, or perhaps, a 4th of July BBQ?!

In other news, there is ONE thing good about getting older…free stuff on your birthday!

Free cookie dough from Papa Murphy’s, to be exact! I got this coupon in an email yesterday and I think I’m going to use the dough to make theeeeeeese. That link WILL change your life. I’m warning you.

Ok, time to get this party started!

OH! Locals – Larabars and Chobani are both on sale at HyVee this weekend. Make sure to stock up – but save some for me!!!

If this is your last time to check in before the long Holiday weekend, enjoy it to the fullest! See ya’!

~~~~~

Let’s play MASH. Where’s your dream home location - a roomy mansion in the suburbs, a trendy loft apartment in the city, a cozy cabin in the mountains or a breezy house on the beach?

I’m going to say…cozy cabin in the mountains! Only because I’m terrified of tsunamis….

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