Walk down memory lane

On Memorial Day, my great uncle passed away unexpectedly (my Granny's brother).  He was 69 and sitting in his recliner at home and my Aunt Marcelle heard him making noises from the other room and by the time she got in the next room, he was already unresponsive.  They think he might have had a massive heart attack which is exactly what happened to my grandmother at age 70.  

The kids didn't really know what to expect but did have alot of questions as you can imagine.  We answered them the best we could for little minds.  

So today we drove 2 1/2 hours away for the funeral and were able to see some family that we don't get to see very often.  We were ungrateful for the circumstance that we were seeing one another, but thankful that we did get to see each other!

I was sad my mom wasn't able to be there today at the funeral because she was on her way back from a mission trip to Guatemala and couldn't make it in time.  My dad did part of the funeral and did an amazing job!  I was so proud of him and my mom would have been too!  My Uncle Ralph and Aunt Marcelle were actually friends of my dads when he was at Union because they went to his church where he was youth minister.  They took him under their wing, let him drive their cars and even let him live there on the weekends and then eventually introduced him to their niece (my mom).  So they are special people to me because they are a big part of my parents history of where they began.  So these friends of my dads ended up being family the next year.

Since we are rarely in that area now that my grandparents have both passed, we drove down memory lane and I was able to show my kids where I used to come to my grandmother's house when I was their age.  We drove past several of their old houses and by the tombstone as well.  I do not go to graves very often and know that they are no longer there, it is just the burial.  Their spirits are with the Lord.  However, it was good to visit it for the first time in years and to show the kids.

Walking down memory lane today was hard at times because I wanted really bad to just sit and talk to my grandparents just one more time.  I miss them terribly and wish my kids/husband had gotten to meet my grandmother!  They were such wonderful people.  

Lucy's 3 yr checkup and first dentist visit

I usually put off doctor/dentist visits for the summer due to being so busy during the school year.  So the first week of summer is usually packed with all the visits we need to catch up from the year.  

Today Lucy had her 3 year check up and was excited about it actually and I was truly hoping she didn't have to get any shots because I knew that could damper a good mood fast.  Thankfully she was all caught up and didn't need any yah!

I had also planned dentist appointments today for all the kids and it would be Lucy's 1st dentist visit.  I had warned the big kids to be a "good" example because she needed this one to go really good.  They did great talking the dentist up (which they do both really like and enjoy) and she was excited about going.  In between our appointments, we went to Chick-fil-a for some lunch.

Brayden was brave and decided to go first and did a great job.  Lucy and I watched him and talked about everything she was doing so there weren't any surprises.  He was proud to show Lucy "how it was done!' ha

Of course Karis did great too, such a little perfectionist (wonder where she gets that from ha)....

It was Lucy's turn and I was nervous to be honest.  I had no idea how she would actually do when I laid her on the table.  But, to my surprise, she laid right down and opened wide.  I was so pleased!

She did have a death grip on the seat but I guess if that is the worst of the day, we are doing ok!

 Our dentist is great and for the first visit for each child, he takes their picture and sends home a keepsake for them.  Lucy remembered this when Brayden went and was excited to take her picture with him although she looks like she is trying to get as far away from him as possible!

Overall it was a great day of appointments that could have been really bad!  I was really pleased that the dentist appointment went so well...that first one is always so important and sets the precedent for all the visits in the future.  Luckily everyone's teeth look great and no one had a sign of a cavity yah!

Zoo Day

The last time we went to the zoo Brayden was not able to see the dinosaurs due to it closing SIX minutes before we got there and he was absolutely devastated and we had promised him we go back very soon and we would see the dinosaurs FIRST this time.  So we did.

We picked up Karis' friend Precious on the way and she went to the zoo with us and spent the night with us.  Everyone loved the dinosaurs although Lucy kept her ears covered the entire time and had her eye on them ha!

It was super hot (101 that day!) so we let the kids play in the sprinklers in their clothes to cool them off as we walked around the zoo.  They got soaked and loved every minute of it.  Jay and I were so hot we almost joined them ha!

So glad Jay could join us on his day off!  Although it was a hot day, it was a great day to spend with my family!

Memorial Day 2012

For Memorial Day, Nonnie and Pop-Pop rented a pontoon boat for the day at Pickwick.  It has been since Memorial Day last year since we have been on Pickwick Lake and the kids had forgotten how big the "lake" really was.  They were thinking it was like our lake (15 acres) and weren't too sure about swimming in it.  But when they saw it, Brayden said, "Look Karis...it's like the ocean!!!" haha

They didn't hesitate for one second getting in it and had a ball swimming in it...even Lucy!

Lucy enjoying her snacks...coke and lettuce ha!

Pop-Pop being our faithful driver....

My handsome honey...

Boy talk...

Getting my Lucy snuggles...

The cousin sleepover had worn this girl out and she napped on the boat for a while and looked sweet as pie....

Having a moment with his grapes ha!

Cool as a cucumber...

Brayden and Lucy even got to drive a little bit too!

Daddy and his girls...

It was a great day and we ended the evening eating dinner at Cactus Jacks for dinner before we had to head home.  

Thankful on this Memorial Day for all the men and women who have given their lives for our country.  This picture just says it all....

While we were out celebrating our family today, there are others who don't have family to celebrate with because of their sacrifice.  I hope the Lord blesses you in tremendous ways!