Our Memorial Weekend

Fact: Brett and I (who claim to love camping)

have never been camping over Memorial Day weekend.

It could be because it typically always rains that weekend,

(this year was no exception)

or because we don't want to fight the camping crowds,

or (most likely) because Memorial Day always tends to kind of sneak up on us.

So, once again, no camping this year.

However, we found plenty to keep us busy.

We spent some time at the Hill AFB air show.

The kids were pretty impressed.

We found out from a neighbor that a local cemetery hosts

a memorial program, so we spent Sunday evening listening

to bagpipes and watching Irish dancers.

It also gave us a chance to talk to Macy

a little about why we celebrate Memorial Day.

She was very intrigued with the fallen soldier memorial.

I was impressed with how solemnly she walked around,

looking at the different pictures of the soldiers.

Monday morning we woke up early and ran

in the Woods Cross 5k.

(Along with just about everyone else in town.)

We thought we were pretty awesome for finishing in 28 minutes,

given the fact that we were still half asleep and pushing

two kids in a jogging stroller.

Then, we ran into our friend Alex.

(who is in high school and convinced us to run the 5k)

Alex: "Hey guys, how'd you do?"

Us (sweaty and panting): "Pretty good...28 minutes."

Alex: "Awesome!  That's good!"

Us: "Thanks...what about you?  What was your time?"

Alex: "Oh, 18 minutes."

Us: ".....(stunned silence)"

Afterwards we ate breakfast and

listened to another pipe band.

The kids and I are now obessed with bagpipe/celtic music.

We finished up the day by heading up to see

Brett's grandparents gravestone.

Another good chance for us to teach the kids a little

about ancestors and such.

I know Memorial day isn't considered one of the "fun" holidays,

but Brett and I really want to teach our kids the importance

of respecting what others have done for us.

What an good weekend for us to really reflect and pay respect

to the men and women who did so much
(and for those who are still doing)

to give us the rights and freedoms we enjoy.