Memorial Day

Here are some photos from our morning enjoyment of the parade.  The kids had their Halloween buckets ready for candy collection.  As we drove to the parade, we reminded them that this was not a just candy parade, but rather a parade to thank, celebrate, and remember all the brave men and women fighting for our freedom and safety.  They immediately asked, "Like Tino?"  YES!  Just like our Marine, Tino.  Finally a connection - yes we get the day off and yes we love the time together, but Memorial Day finally had an authentic reason in their eyes.

So, we arrived home with all 3 buckets full of candy.  They were each allowed to pick out one piece of candy.  Then Mike suggested sending it to Tino and his platoon.  Shockingly, we didn't get a single refusal.  The kids happily filled a bag of candy, and we started a new box to ship out.  The placed some new artistic masterpieces in the box and we will fill it will odds and ends as the week progresses.


Wow... talk about a message hitting home - we had great family time together, the kids realized truly what Memorial Day is about, and they selflessly shared what is typically gold to them!  

Thank you God for the sweet blessings you have placed in our care!  We are doing our best to Shepard them, and in turn, they are teaching us more than we ever imagined humanly possible!