“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.” —Marcus Aurelius

Yesterday we had the good fortune of going to two Memorial Day celebrations. The first in the morning held at the Lynden Cemetery and the second, The Festival of Flags, held at Moles Greenacres Memorial Park.

Troy participates in The Festival of Flags with his reenactment gear (hopefully next year Mabel will make an appearance). He has a stream of people stopping and checking out his stuff and talking about memories or asking questions. It is great fun for him.

The festival included many speakers, including Jerry Stewart (from the radio programs One Moment in America) and a Homeland Security Blackhawk that delivered the American flag. I spent some time watching children create message for the troops overseas.

The park was full of families and community members celebrating the fallen and active soldiers as well as visiting loved ones who may not have served. There was such beautiful energy in the cemetery. It was wonderful. A cemetery should be a place of celebration and yesterday it certainly was...

And, of course, I visited grandpa and grandma. I miss them daily. I didn't get to the other cemetery to visit my other grandparents - this week for sure.

I just couldn't stop taking pictures of the flags. There are over 1400 flags lining the pathways - it truly is a spectacular sight.

It was an amazing day. Much thanks to the soldiers that have laid down their lives for our freedom, our way of life. Thanks to those who are currently serving - be it at a base stationed in the U.S., on a tour of duty in another nation or deployed to a hostile environment. Thanks to everyone who has served a short enlistment to those who have retired from our military. Thanks to the families left at home while their loved ones are serving. Thanks to the civilians who support our military daily...It takes everyone!

Look who came to visit...

This sweet baby girl, who turned 7 months yesterday and her daddy! Emma Lu is Christian's (and Kacee's) little one. Christian is one of Troy's airsoft buddies (which explains the photos below)! Emma Lu has beautiful blue eyes, a quick smile, is so easy tempered! I just love seeing her (it doesn't happen often enough). Emma & Archer. Pulling herself up on Troy & George's new Browning 1919.

"Hey Dad! Look at this!"

Getting set.

Finding her target (Troy!).

Look at the proud papa!

Ready...

Aim. (no firing in the house Emma!)

The perfect shot! Does it get any better than this? I think this might become daddy's screen saver! hahahehe

It was great to see you Emma Lu! Come back again anytime! Come play with Walter the Farting Dog, Cthulu and Troy's big guns!