Memorial Day

Today was Memorial Day. Thankfully, I don't have any first hand experience with losing somebody close to me who was in the military and died in the service of our country. But as I've gotten older, the significance of this day of remembrance has increased for me and now I feel that paying homage in a small way, is the least we can do.

That being said, the three kiddos and I walked uptown for the Memorial Day parade and service. The weather was BEAUTIFUL and the kids barely complained about how far it was on the way there. The "parade" is barely enough to be called that, but still is enough to get the kiddos excited (even if there isn't any candy, it isn't THAT kind of parade!). We sat in the wrong spot (that's what you get for trying something different than last year) but while the parade didn't go in front of us, it stopped right beside us at the park where the service was being held.

The service was a little too long for my kiddos but overall, they did well. What freedom is Mac celebrating? Finally getting out of the stroller!

The gun salute and the canons firing were a bit abrupt and loud for my boys, but they managed. About ten seconds after it was over, Mac's lip started quivering and he said, "Loud, momma." Yes, it was Baby, but it's all done.

The walk home didn't fair as well as the walk there. They were tired. It was significantly hotter. The slight breeze was at our backs. The "short cut" I took was actually a "long cut" and there was no shade the whole way! Oops. Considering all that, they did pretty well. We stopped once in the bit of shade we could find.

We made it home. Later Borns and Grapentines came over for a cook out and pool party. Again, we could not have ordered better weather and all eight (yes EIGHT, ranging from 8 to 1) kids played really well together and the adults could actually relax...for exactly fifteen seconds at a time!

So this Memorial Day, let's remember that all gave some but some gave all. Remember them and their ultimate sacrifice today.