memorial weekend

once you mention "memorial day" and explain its meaning to ella, there is no turning back.

its sweet how she prays for the "sholdiers" who are protecting us.

and for the people who bled.

and then she decided to make memorial place mats the other night for dinner.

i, for one, thought this was totally awesome. i expected innocent red white and blueness not this hardcore "mean guy" (translation: tough guy) complete with sword in his left hand.

i can't decide what i like the most though. that he's giving a thumbs up with his right hand, or that his gun, tucked into his belt on his right side reaches on down past his feet.

or that he is possibly 9 months pregnant.

(oh, and it was pasta for dinner. pardon the sauce remains...)

so this morning, anthony took the older 2 to a memorial service at a nearby cemetery.
he was telling me how cool it was and how the speaker was explaining how memorial day used to always be may 30. then congress decided to change it to a monday for the convenience of a three day weekend. many prominent military knew that by doing so, it would change our perspective and remembrance of such an important day.

"changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. no doubt, this has contributed a lot to the general public's nonchalant observance of memorial day." (VFW)

he then said, "look to those on your right and to your left and give them a hand. they are the ones who took the time to honor the heroes for whom this day was established."

(unlike your wife who is at home preparing for the afternoon barbecue)

anyhow...

ella made a card to pass out to a soldier.

its a boat, and the plastic spoon is the oar...

so i mentioned that maybe daddy could help her find someone who had served in the navy.

(and who also might have a sense of humor...)

but they found this fine young man who was thrilled to be thanked by my kids.
and also, they brought some friends with them and i'm really sad that noelle isn't actually looking at the camera here. but this is the only picture that our fearless marine is looking and i figure since he's the one who may give his life for our freedom, he wins. sorry noelle, maybe next time.