Memorial Day Fun and a Memorial Day Tribute

Our Memorial Day was relaxing. Just the way I like it. It was filled with a NCIS marathon and children playing happily. 

Our friend Illana came over to play with us while her mother was at work. Here are some pictures of our day. 

 We thought it would be fun to take the kids to the base swimming pool.

As soon as we got there it was "break time" for the kids in the swimming pool. So we had to wait 15 mins. before we could get in.

Ilana is going to be a super model when she grows up. She poses for the camera all the time.

 Before we knew it the break was over and water fun could begin!

Daddy and Caleb exploring the water.

Ilana, Asher, and Adam played a rousing game of dive sticks. 

All good fun must come to an end. Time to go home.

Asher waiting for everyone else to get ready to go home. 

 After we got home we ate dinner. Then Adam took Asher and Ilana outside to ride on Asher's new scooter before bedtime. Caleb didn't get to join in the fun because it was already his bedtime. Poor Cay Cay.

It would not seem right to end a Memorial Day post without giving tribute to the troops, past and present, that have worked to keep the freedoms we enjoy. It is so easy to criticize our troops. It is so easy to condemn them and label them "violent monsters." Yet these men and women, and their families, live with the reality that at any day and any moment they might be called to leave there families, work unbearable shifts, under unbearable conditions, with the knowledge that they might never see their families again. These "monsters"  miss birthdays, holidays, and special events so that we may continue to enjoy those same occasions with our families. We the right to say we do not believe in the military on principal. Yet without them committing to serve in same branch of government we disagree with, we may not be able enjoy such rights.

I will now step off my soap box. Instead, I will raise my glass of sparkling cider and make a toast:

Here's to the men and women, past and present, who have served our country with honor and dignity. Who have faced trials and tribulations beyond our imagination so we may enjoy freedoms that we take for granted every day. Cheers.

It wouldn't be a holiday post without me posting a poem I found from the internet for that holiday.

They Keep Us Free

by Roger Robicheau

In time of need their will is sure
American, their freedom pure

Protect our life and liberty
Unselfishly, they keep us free

Each soldier knows what is at stake
The risk is grave, there’s no mistake

With pride they serve our country strong
They face each foe to come along

Remember them while in your home
Or where you choose to freely roam

Don’t take for granted what you see
Some left this life, so it could be

To God I urge you all to pray
For soldier’s brave, to face each day

We should be thankful, one and all
For those who march to meet each call

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/memorial-day/kids-poems-rhymes/they-keep-us-free.html