As you have all guessed by now, I love holidays! I love to have any reason to celebrate and today was no different (actually I've been celebrating all weekend). I think today is a particularly poignant holiday. Today is dedicated to all the fallen heroes of war - all those brave men and women who have lost their lives so that I can live mine the way I choose to live it. Today is a day of remembrance. Today is a day to reflect on the freedoms we have because of the lives that have been lost. It is a day to remember all our loved ones who have passed on who have taught us and given us more than we could have ever realized when they were living. I have been fortunate to not have to experience losing a loved one in combat, but I have lost loved ones. I thought about each of them today. I also thought about a local hero, Cody Towse, who was recently killed in Afghanistan. I thought about his grieving family. I thought about his ultimate sacrifice. My heart broke and tears filled my eyes with each new thought. I was so grateful that we decided to start our day with a flag ceremony and a little devotional. Jon spent time with the scout aged boys prior to raising the flag. He taught them about why it is folded the way it is and reminded them about what the colors mean. After the flag was raised, Laurin and Amber beautifully entwined their voices as they sang the National Anthem. I couldn't stop the steady stream of tears. I am proud to be an American. I am proud to have such beautiful children and an amazing husband. It was a great morning!
Following the morning's events, we had a delicious breakfast then made our way back to our house where we spent the rest of the day playing! Aunt Katie (a shew-in for favorite aunt!) had a huge, inflatable water slide that she set up. The kids had a blast playing in the water, on the zipline, with the big ball, etc.
You can see Jeff had to get in the action!
Daniel, Maci and Bennett
Laurin (reading a book), Grandma, Katie, Kristi, Daniel, Maci, Trudy, and Carson
Heidi, Megan and Maci
Bennett, Dallin, Grant, and Daniel
I love this pic of Dallin! He looks like he's flying!
Trudy and Maci
Stan didn't think Jeff could get up.
Then Stan had to try...
Unfortunately, Stan, Kristi and their kids had to leave later that afternoon. I was sad to see them go. I loved having them at our house for the weekend...and not just because the boys stay entertained. I have always appreciated Kristi's calm, kind nature. I met her the first weekend I met Jeff (they were in town then). She was the easiest to talk to and made me feel so at ease. Thanks Kristi! And thanks to everyone for making it such a fun weekend!
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