The good ol' us of A.

Happy Post-Independence Day, everyone! A WWII veteran just spoke to us at church today, so I'm still feeling that warm patriotic spirit. Also, I've been catching up on Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, and I just finished season 5, episode 19, where Anya announces her revelation that she’s not just human, but American, deeply enamored of "the good old us of A" and I thought that was very appropriate and also funny. Of course, she's more enamored with the concept of capitalism than democracy, but I digress. Anyway, yay America! Here's how I celebrated this week:

Dodgers vs Reds game! I was so excited to see my boys play. Even though they lost. I still love my Reds.

Shame on the Dodgers ticket office for spelling my hometown wrong. Low blow.

Fourth of July started at the beach. It was kind of cold but still pretty relaxing.

Brooke and I

Followed by a barbeque at the Womansion. Pinata and all.

And then fireworks at the Rose Bowl! One of the better shows I've been to for sure. And it was free because we found these sweet spots outside of the stadium.

Although this punk kept trying to play the Star Spangled Banner on his electric guitar and he was so baaaad. Like bleeding ears bad.

Friday night I went out with my friend Justin and we walked around The Grove and the Farmer's Market. It's a really beautiful mall where they have outdoor concerts.

And a pretty fountain.

And then we walked down Hollywood Boulevard at night. Justin was an awesome tour guide. He even knew where to park for free! And our waiter at Umami Burger recognized him from taking the Blazin' Challenge at Buffalo Wild Wings. Small world, even in Los Angeles.

Hollywood Blvd at night is crazy. It's like Times Square. You've got the crazies, the clubbers, the tourists, the druggies asking you to borrow money for weed. Definitely a unique spot in America.

Oh America. You are very special. And I love you.

And to end, here's a music video from one of my favorite bands, Imagine Dragons. "America":