Hope of America

I was so excited when we got a flyer about Caitlyn participating in the Hope of America concert.  Every year Provo has a Freedom Festival and this is one of the annual events.  Elementary students sing patriotic songs and put on an amazing show.  It was only available to 5th grade students in Caitlyn's school.  She was excited and wanted to do it so we signed her up.  We found out later that only four kids from her school signed up.  They still let her participate and the music teacher worked with the four students to help them prepare.  Yesterday I took her to the dress rehearsal in the morning.  I was so impressed with the show.

Every participant gets a red, white, blue or yellow shirt.  The kids make up the American Flag.  I love it, doesn't it look amazing?  I way underestimated the crowds and traffic, so we were actually behind the kids instead of facing them.  I had to run across the Marriott Center and snap one picture though, it looked amazing!

I love patriotic music.  I get emotional when I hear it, especially when kids are singing.  They did one song called, "Thank you Military."  They had a slide show going on the big screen and they had all of the military and their family stand up while all of the kids held up flags with their left hand while their right hand was on their heart.  It was such a touching song, I think most people were crying.  Keith and I just watched American Sniper and it gave me a new respect and appreciation for our military.  I can't imagine what they go through.  I'm amazed that so many people are so willing to fight and protect our Country.  I'm so grateful for our military and their families.  There are so many wonderful people in this world who are willing to sacrifice so much.  

They also did a tribute and slide show for policemen and firemen, that was really touching too.  

They sang songs about America's history and the bill of rights.  They were all so great.  I love that my kids are being taught all of these wonderful things.  I need to do better at teaching them about our history and why America is so great.

Hallee and Wyatt went to the rehearsal and the show, so they had fun singing and clapping along.  Wyatt was adorable, he would shake his head and really get into the beat when he clapped along.

I can't get enough of the kids as the flag!

The last song of the show was about being a light and helping others.  It was another tear-jerker.  They turned down the lights and all of the kids had flashlights that they would turn on when they sang about being a light, it was so awesome to see!  Most of the audience joined in with their cell phones.  It was such a great song with a wonderful message. 

It was madness after the concert, it was so crowded.  They organized it very well though and we knew exactly where to meet Caitlyn.  One of the mother's from their school sat with them and helped them out, I was very grateful to her.  Caitlyn sure is a beauty.

Anytime I ask Caitlyn to pose I get something like this.  She is sure growing up!

They all had to bring sunglasses for "America Rocks."   I loved every song they sang.  They made them all fun with hand movements and different things.

Wyatt and Keith came straight from Wyatt's last soccer game.  I think all of the kids really enjoyed the show.   I'm excited that the rest of the kids will get a turn to participate in Hope of America in the years to come.  I can't say enough how much I loved the show and what a great job they do with it.  

We beat the crowd getting out, but it was still after 9 PM.  We decided to not worry about the time and go out for ice cream, the kids didn't complain!  It was a great night.