Memorial Day 2010

When I was little, we always liked Memorial Day. We were off of school number one, but we knew that once Memorial Day was here, it meant that we were going to go camping. We'd load up our big motor home with groceries, grab our Roller Racer and head to Mt. Charleston. Usually, it was just our family, but there were times when our cousins would come too. The weather was great--cool enough to escape Vegas early summers but still warm enough that we'd have to wear pants (our mom insisted, you know, in case we fell and scraped our knees. We always did anyway!). This Memorial Day was nothing like that, but it was nice anyhow.
Friday we unfortunately had to go to my dad's uncle's funeral for two reasons. One was obvious. No one likes to see the sadness of people who don't have our knowledge about what comes after this life and two was well, I had to play the violin. My dad was in charge of the whole thing--planning it, conducting. Shaun and I said prayers, Sloan and Shaun sang, I played the violin while the rest of the kids sang and then Chris had to speak. It was frightfully like it was a funeral for one of us was how involved we are were.

The kids were all pretty good (I can't believe how big they're all getting!)

Afterward, we went straight to Shaun and Chris's performance as part of Full Scale (their a cappella group Shaun started and Chris joined just for that weekend) and as they sang with the Desert Chorale at Ham Hall. I remember playing there when I was younger as part of orchestras but it seemed a lot bigger to me then. Of course, this time it seemed a lot more packed with the hundreds of people who came to hear the patriotic concert. Ammon had to stand as they played the Army song which always is cool to think about. I don't think I ever thought I would marry someone in the military. Now, it's just a complete way of life. Shaun and Chris did an amazing job singing Danny Boy (one of President Hinckley's favorites, also Ammon's), America the Beautiful and Shaun's version of the Star-Spangled Banner. It was too cool. We ended the night by going to TGI Fridays with my mom, dad and Chris and Matthew got to bed about midnight. Long day, twenty minute nap and a late dinner. I'm surprised he was such a good boy!

Matthew's tie fit right in with the rest of Full Scale's.

Saturday was weirdly, an uneventful day. Saturdays are always nice though because Ammon didn't have work the night before and so we're all allowed to sleep in and be up at the same time. Since the beginning of summer is the time to release dozens of blockbusters, we decided to all head to a movie. Since I'd already seen Iron Man, I didn't care that Shaun, Chris and Ammon were all going again. I took Matthew to see Shrek [can you believe it] 4. (Side note: How in the world are there 14 Shreks, 28 Land Before Times and 6 Batmans? Can anyone have original ideas nowadays?!). Matthew's first movie was last summer and he was great. He's been to The Proposal and Dear John and so I decided it was time to see a movie a little more age-appropriate. Well, he's never really been that interested in animation, but he was actually really enjoying himself. I'm sure it had nothing to do with his own popcorn, candy and drink he got either!

Weird child is SO fascinated with trash cans! I can't pull him away! So give him a straw to unwrap that's near a trash, he'll stay busy for at least ten minutes.

Whenever he says "CHEESE," he always bends over! He looked too cute with his backpack and running around the theatre while we waited for the boys. Can't wait to see Toy Story 3!

Sunday's business was conducted as usual. You know, wake Matthew up early for a quick breakfast before church that starts at 9, have Matthew cry in nursery if he isn't the first one picked up, go home, eat and nap for three or four hours. It is always a day I look forward to because it's a day I can get away with napping!

Monday had some beautiful weather. I knew all those people who were planning parties, events and lake trips were in awe at the windless trees all around the valley. Chris and my dad spent the day trying to fix the TV and we were able to play games, barbecue and swim. a good weekend for a great upcoming summer!

He sure loved the water.

Brooklyn is OBSESSED with the pool. I have NEVER EVER known a dog who does what she does in the water. And, she'll never let that ball out of her mouth.

Matthew spent probably an entire hour plugging and unplugging wires into the TV and its paraphernalia. He absolutely loved it so Grandpa brought his own TiVo and cables to play with on an everyday basis. (What one-year-old do you know that has their own TiVo? So it isn't plugged in, but still!)

I think there are a few days in the year that people actually act like they care about the military men and women and all their sacrifices they make for our country. Memorial Day is one of them. It is always great to know of what a wonderful country we live in and those people who put their lives on the line for us. I am so grateful for Ammon and the sacrifices he has made. We are so lucky that we have had people come before us who do the same as those people do now.