Memorial Day

I love Memorial Day! One of the best things about moving back to Utah was being able to go out and decorate the graves. It's such a great tradition and I had no idea what I was missing before (I am sure we did it when we lived in Utah before, but I don't necessarily remember it.) I debated about heading home just because I knew I had to go to work at Build A Bear and I really thought it would be nice to just have a day at home for once - it feels like it's been way too long since that's happened. But the reality is I really do enjoy doing the graves and Grandma and Grandpa are getting older so I don't know how much longer they will be around to do this with us. So I had to go.
While we were on our cruise, my great-uncle Dave actually passed away. He was a very unique and wonderful man. He actually had his headstone put out several years ago. In fact last year, we took a picture of it so Grandma and Grandpa could show him on their way home because he hadn't ever actually seen it in place. This year he was actually there. I don't know if because of weather the sod doesn't look good or if they just haven't had a chance to do anything yet, but it wasn't that green at this point in time.

I moved things around so we could actually see the headstone. Seeing the death date is still a little bit strange.

I have no idea who's grave these were on but they were just so beautiful I had to get a picture.

When we got back to Mom and Dad's home, Brian and family were already there waiting for us.

Brian and Hollie were involved in a very intense game of "Go Fish" - they tell me that they were playing with Briley originally but she got bored. Yeah, right.

Watching the after dinner entertainment - note Ryder's legs, he doesn't like the feel of the grass. When he was sitting in it, he would keep shifting and pretty much kept one leg in the air at all times. He's such a sweet, funny little guy.

Zach getting ready for his wind up -

and the crowd ready to try to catch his balls.

AJ was up to bat next.

Zach looks like he's really into it - not so sure about Russ and Brian.

Taking a break for a little bit of studying the bugs which eventually led into sidewalk chalk drawing.

Did we mention he doesn't like the feel of the grass?

He kept his feet up - with some pretty incredible balance really - while AJ pushed him around the lawn. It was funny to watch and I was very impressed he didn't fall off.

Maya taking it all in - she can be more of an observer, sometimes. She was actually pretty involved today, but she was a little concerned that her hair was falling out of his ponytail.

The boys get their ball game on. We talked about taking bets on who was going to be the first one hurt, but they did pretty good. (Brandon surprised us by riding up on his bike while his family was up in the mountains with Aimee's family.)

Something learned from Grandma Ottley - body tracing. Although I do like the fact that they did it in front of the door instead of the driveway where you back in and out over them, that was just a little bit disturbing to drive over the little body outlines.

Do not disturb Maya while she is working!

The final project - okay not the best shot. However, Maya refused to lie down to let Briley draw her.

I am not sure this is the safest place to set the baby, but this is why he is being supervised.

He has decided he wants to walk now, but he let me hold him for just a little bit, although he was constantly looking for the next thing to do.

Their next project, blowing up the Baachi balls that are already filled with sand, but if it makes them happy why not let them do it.

It was such a good day. It's always kind of hard to leave, but I do because my life is not up there and reality is always waiting to be faced.