Memorial Day Memories

 We had a very relaxing Memorial Day weekend this year.  Which works out great when one is hugely pregnant and soon-to-be-due like myself.  In fact, if I remember correctly, we spent most of the weekend just laying around the house in our own mess.  But, when the actual Memorial Day came around we were totally partying.

Technically the weekend started with Addison's "cousin-party" for her birthday.  It was supposed to be that Friday night but poor Jonas was sick as a poor puppy and we decided to reschedule it.  Luckily, whatever he had was just a 24 hour bug (albeit a nasty one) and he was finally back to himself around Saturday afternoon.  It's so hard seeing that little guy under the weather.  He hardly ever holds still so when he does THAT much, you know he must not be feeling good.

Poor, sick Jonas.  It's pretty bad when your cheeks match the pink blanket you are wrapped in.  

Sunday night we ended up having the cousins over for Addison's birthday.  This little get-together was my way of transitioning to a more low-key celebration for birthdays.  I'm growing tired of stressing out over intricate details and grandiose celebrations when all they ever seem to want are three things:  friends, food, and fun.  So we had cousins, pizza, and a backyard campout/campfire.  Karah, Bryce, and Bradley were very eager to come participate in the festivities.  The tent was set up and the fire was blazing (thanks to John teaching Bradley the way of the boy scout ;).  We enjoyed watching all their cool tricks on the trampoline and dining on pizza and smores.  Not surprisingly, they all decided to sleep inside instead of out in the tent in the backyard.  Secretly, John was relieved since he was the one pulling tent duty as I am wayyyy too pregnant to be sleeping on the ground.  

Bradley showing off his fire-making skills while Karah and I relax in the background.

Daddy showing Jonas the ways of s'more making.  He was a fan.

Daddy and the birthday girl making some s'mores.

We all enjoyed a comfortable night in actual beds and then woke up to celebrate Addison with a yummy donut cake.  Then before long, we were back out in the backyard playing yet again.  Aunt Sarah even came over to join in the fun for a bit.

And what better way to continue celebrating than all joining in for a pool party on Donkey Hill later that day?  This was our first experience partaking in the beautiful pool that the Allred's call home.  We all had a blast and swam for hours that afternoon.  John and I were 'parents of the year' for remembering to slather sunscreen on the kiddos.  However, we don't win "smartest parents of the year" as we completely forgot to slather it on ourselves.  And the stinker was, it was an overcast day, the worst kind of day to get the worst kind of sunburn.  Needless to say, we spent a week afterward recovering and relishing in the memories of a body that didn't shriek in excruciating pain any time we slightly moved.  It was miserable.  So glad we got that 'lesson learned' and out of the way at the beginning of summer!  I would have felt even more horrible had our kids had to endure it with us.  

All-in-all it was a GREAT Memorial Day spent with family and relaxing.  And of course, remembering all those who have given their lives for our privilege of living in a free country where we can do such fun things.  I hope to never take their sacrifices for granted.  Especially the sacrifices that the families of those who have been lost have to endure everyday afterward.  We love our country!

Jonas and Daddy hanging out in the pool.  It didn't take long before Jonas was loving that water yet again.

Addison posing on the last day she was going to be 3 years old!