Memorial Day 2016

Last year at this time I was fairly pregnant with baby six.  I remember we attended a really nice military service for Memorial Day at the cemetery where Hazel is buried.  Before the service  I remember kneeling by her grave with my big belly, missing her, but so grateful for a chance at a new life to join our family.  And so sad that I would be able to raise these two girls as siblings on earth.  A whirlwind of emotions.  Certain moments or events bring up a lot of memories and emotions for me.

This year, I feel like we commemorated Memorial Day a day early.  We almost always go visit Hazel on Sunday and bring her fresh flowers.  So this past Sunday the staff were putting out all the flags on the service men's graves.  There were so many.  SO many!

It was a good time to talk to the kids about just how many of our good citizens give up their time, talents, families and opportunities to serve our nation.  The cemetery was just a very small representation of the hundreds of thousands, no millions, of Americans that have fought for freedom in one way or another.

So on Monday, Memorial Day, we decided to go for a hike.  It was a gorgeous day.  Perfect for hiking.  We went to Wallace Falls.  We have attempted to hike Wallace Falls many times, but never have made it because we had a little (always someone different) that needed to turn around and go home.

But this time we were determined to make it!  At least to the Lower Falls.  And...we did!  Hurray! It only took ten years.  :)

It was so worth it.  What a site!

Can't resist getting close

This is funny if you know about the sibling feud happening at our house.  This guy thinks pigs are the best animals ever.  His sister things horses are the best.  It sometimes turns into all out war!  Seriously.  With tears and everything.  I don't get it.  But sometimes we can all laugh about it and this sign helped us do just that.

The Great North West!

We were certainly tired, muddy, and happy by the end.  At least most of us fit that description.  After dealing with some traffic on the way home, we arrived late for a yummy BBQ with friends at the park.  Fun day!