Life's essentials: Food & Water

Well, we've got that down! We had a great Memorial weekend and I hope that y'all did too! We pretty much ate our way through the weekend, but what's new? It seems like every time my family gets together our days revolve around our next meal. I would say I'm not proud, but that would be a bold faced lie.

The weekend started with Dave and I having everyone over for breakfast and ended with dinner in New Braunfels with Dave's mom and dad. I have many pictures documenting the weekend not one of which includes me. But rest assured, I was there. I consumed my fair share of homemade cinnamon rolls thanks to the Pioneer Woman, and lathered on a good amount of SPF 45 to enjoy opening weekend of pool/lake season! I am glad to say....welcome back summer! You've been missed!

Dave was my subject when I was trying to get my exposure right...

Kristen...already tan and we're just getting started!

Mom and Nana on their joy ride

Nana and Papa

Grill Master Dad

They were just as good as they were pretty!

The pool's open! Rookie makin' a splash...(pun intended....)

Miss Maggie...

Mr. Jake....

The Gyllenhaal's in action...

His future's so bright he's gotta wear shades...

I hope y'all had a wonderful Memorial weekend! Yes, we had a ton of fun and we enjoyed the unofficial kickoff to summer, but I am not lost on the purpose of Memorial weekend. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart to those who have fought and those who are fighting for not only our freedom, but the freedom of others. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing in our Sunday morning worship service as we honored those who have served and those who have lost their lives for country and freedom. Men and women young and old stood up as their branch of service hymn was played and I just cried thinking of the countless families who prayed and waited, hoping their loved ones would come home. For those of you who are currently praying and waiting for your loved one to come home I can only offer a simple "Thank you". Thank you for sacrificing and sharing your honorable soldier with us.

I think that patriotism is sadly a lost art. As I sat and looked at so many men of older generations stand and proudly sing their anthem, whether it was Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, etc, I started thinking that service was something they all knew and something most of them had done. There was no choice of the matter. Families celebrated their soldiers and pretty much every family was touched with service. It made me think that so many people today don't know that type of sacrifice...that type of patriotism. Myself included! My grandfather's served, but that was before I was born.

I consider myself patriotic and I love my country, I love the flag...I love my freedom, and I realize my freedom isn't free. I'm thankful for those who serve and I hope that we, as a country, never take for granted our armed forces and the job they do. So as I was able to enjoy my memorial weekend filled with food, water, fun and sun I know that many families mourned loved ones lost in battle. I pray that I never forget the true heroes and the true purpose of memorial weekend. Thank you never seems to be enough...