4th of July

Here's Jalen Andrew's patriotic contribution. We inherited these balloons from an Eagle Court of Honor that the girls helped set up. These balloons made Jalen Andrew one happy boy! I know this goes along more with Memorial Day . . . but that's okay. When we go west on the 101, I always see a sign for the National Memorial Cemetery, and have wanted to go check it out. We never have time. So, about a week ago, I made time. We stopped to see the cemetery on the way home from yet another orthodontist appointment. When we first arrived the bells were chiming "Battle Hymn of the Republic." It was amazing to hear that song, as we looked out over the vast amount of graves. It was desert, no doubt, but we still enjoyed finding beauty like this bird's nest tucked away in a very large Sahuaro. Our patriotic Joseph, who has been very diligent about putting up our American flag on Memorial Day, and then almost every day from Flag day to Independence Day, was very touched by being there at the National Cemetery. After we had walked around a little bit, having looked at the headstones of some of the graves, and talking about which war they fought in, Joseph commented, "I like it here. There's a good feeling here." I'd have to agree. It was really amazing to look out and see just how many headstones there were for the veterans of the various divisions. And the veterans buried here are just a drop in the bucket compared to all the veterans buried throughout the other National Cemeteries across the United States soil. It was sobering to realize just how many people have spent their lives serving our country. Joseph was touched by this Vietnam Memorial, and wanted to have his picture taken with it. Each of the kids chose a seal for one of the divisions - Army, Marine, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard - to stand underneath.

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We had a nice 4th of July, starting off with a great ward breakfast. Then Erik recruited some men from the breakfast, to come over and help shovel rock into the front yard. With their help, it took only about 45 minutes. Amazing! I took pictures, but you'll just have to wait for the finished project (we still need to put the turf in). Already the yard looks so much better.

We topped off the day with a family barbecue (Aubrey and Jared came all the way from Cali. for it), and we were lucky to have the missionaries join us for dinner as well. Then, of course, fireworks viewing from the backyard. Jalen Andrew was a bit unsettled about those flashing lights, and the noise that they made. He whimpered for a little bit, and then settled down in Erik's arms and fell asleep.

There is a realtor who always goes around our neighborhood, and puts these plastic flags in everyone's yard. It's a nice service that she does each year. This photo is archived from 2006, but it makes me smile everytime I see it.

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It was nice having Erik home this year for the 4th. He was in the hospital last year, with his blood clots, and we were all missing him immensely. So much has changed in a year's time. He is doing well, and has even recently been taken off the Cumadin, his blood thinning medicine. Yay!