July 4th has become a really big holiday.  I used to love watching fireworks, especially the finale!  My brother and I used to run around our yard waving sparklers around.  For a few years, my extended family spent the 4th together at a beach house at the Outer Banks in North Carolina.  Now on July 4th, I normally just relax and take it easy.  It's kind of sad that people look more foward to the fireworks and sparklers than the celebration of what the holiday is about --our freedom!  Many people died for this cause, and it's a great day to honor all of the heros.

This July 4th, my grandparents will be here.  We're going to have a cookout to celebrate.  For the first time, I'm also going to run the Peachtree Road Race.  With 55,000 participants, it is the largest road race in the world.  I've heard that there are some really big hills, so I'm nervous about those, but of course I'm excited about getting a t-shirt!  I will also be able to say that I've participated in one of Atlanta's greatest events!