Memorial Day Parade

Every year since Rhyan was born (and probably before that but for some reason i dont really remember life before she was born?!) we've attended the Dacula Memorial Day Parade. Its the best :-) 

I mean, where else can you see horse drawn carriages....

AND pink elephants in the same parade?! lol

Let me just say, Rhyan looooooves this pink elephant. It might just be the highlight of her day... If you ask her about the parade and ask what she liked the most, she'll undoubtedly tell you "the pink elephant!"

My sweet baby boy enjoyed the parade for a good long while before he conked out. He still typically takes about an hour long morning nap from 10-11 but he's ok to miss it from time to time. And honestly, he's a pretty fantastic baby who will sleep pretty much anywhere as long as i hold him :-) My cuddle bug.

Had to grab a pic of the next car Jeff wants to get.... except he informed me that he wants a dune buggy, not this piece of patchwork. HA! My mistake...

fancy... take me back to the future, anyone?!

Check out the windshield wipers! how creative!

This is always the most emotional part of the parade. Volunteers carry these in memory of fallen soldiers. What a reminder that our freedom has been fought for and protected by others who are far more brave than I. Most of the ages of these men and women were in their 20's. A whole generation who has lost so many men. Potential husbands and fathers. This stuff changes our country in more ways than one.

Onto lighter stuff. My mom swears that Rhyan needs to be in a pageant. I always say no so her newest ploy is saying "But she could be IN the parade on this float!". Good try, mama.

My little man watching the parade. Good lorddy... him and that thumb :-/

Rhyan, wondering why she's not getting candy thrown to her :-)

I always LOVE this... They stand perfectly still through the whole thing.

But even with all the great things to look at in the parade, the kids favorite part was the TRAIN!

As always, we had a great time! Mama was able to accompany us which made the day seem a little more "normal". Mommie has been in the hospital (for the 9th time since December) and at the time at least was not doing well at all. I've spent Memorial day at Mommie and Daddy's house in their backyard grilling out for as long as I can remember. This year, Jeff and I tried to make the day seem normal by grilling out and inviting Mama and Jonathan over for dinner (and my good friend Carrie Anderson). The only one missing was Mommie. I was, however, super grateful that my aunts traded off staying at the hospital so that my mom could join us for the day. We usually celebrate her birthday (which is actually on the 29th) on memorial day so it was nice to be able to do that, as well.

Beautiful day. Beautiful family. Lots to be grateful for in the midst of trials!