Favorite Words

My Sweet Grands,

This time in your life as little ones goes by so quickly.  Your sweet coo's, growls, first words, grand expressions of love, toddler antics and all the firsts, fly by in the blink of an eye.  

When I was raising my children I knew I would hold onto those moments and never forget them.  I don't remember all of them, especially the sounds they made.  As adults become entrenched in the happenings of daily life and as your little lives progress quickly we become accustomed to the new sounds, new words or new habits as soon as you make them.  Sadly we forget.

My favorite word from Cutie E, is UP.   I can not resist your sweet little face, blue eyes and deep desire to be UP.  We have many wonderful moments together when you are UP.

Cutie O, you aren't talking yet, but you have mastered a growl that will be hard to forget.  I'm sure you picked up the sound from our little Abby, but your's is much cuter, especially when you do it with a smile.  

I hope I don't forget these sweet sounds.

Celebrating Veteran's

Since I last posted on September 23,  I have been pondering what I want to do with my blog while reducing the time I spend on social media.  I will save that for another time, today I want to honor our nations Veteran's.

Yesterday was Veteran's Day.  Living in our nations capitol there is always something you can do or experience and Veteran's Day is no exception.

Dad & Paulette at Mount Vernon

The most notable activity in the area is to attend the Presidential speech at Arlington National Cemetery.  Yesterday was extra special, President Biden, Dr Biden, Vice President Harris and Second Gentleman were all in attendance.  The President and Vice President laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  

Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
 Arlington National Cemetery

On average 5,000 people attend this special Presidential speech.  One day I will attend, but this year I took my dad and Paulette to explore Arlington a few days before in order to avoid the big crowds.  We had a beautiful blue sky day that was like no other I have experienced.  

The National Park System acknowledges our Veteran's with special  free admission into all of its parks. Restaurants offer free meals or special treats and many other businesses offer discounts.  There are parades, concerts, flag displays, run/walks, and ceremonial events.  It isn't hard to find an activity that fits you to help honor our Veteran's.  

This year I spent the day with my family at Mount Vernon, George Washington's home.  I love Mount Vernon.  I love being in George Washington's home, walking part of his plantation and through his forest.  To honor Veteran's they had a special book for them to sign, entrance was free and they provided red carnations to any adult that would like to lay it at his tomb.

Our family had a wonderful day.  As Cutie E was sitting on my lap during one of the films I wondered how each of these events and the places we visit will shape his life.  He ran around the bowling green, walked through the house and held our hands as we walked through the gardens and slave quarters.  He was so good.  Cutie O enjoyed a lovely stroller ride through the grounds of our first president.

Not every kiddo has the opportunity to visit, experience, explore and listen to the words of the men and women who laid the foundation for our country.  They are so lucky to have these expereinces build who they will become.

Fort McHenry

I continue to wonder,

How will their parents, uncle and great grandparents military service shape them?

How will the words and information they hear about our nations history impact them?

How will running around the first presidents plantation shape their future?

How will these experiences early in their life influence their path?

I am excited to see who these beautiful boys become.

I am so honored to be part of a family that has been willing to serve, that love our country  and the history it holds close to its heart.  I hope all Veteran's felt loved and appreciated on their special day.