Remembering Memorial Day

Last year I was in Washington DC for Memorial Day weekend. When I made my travel plans, I didn't even realize I would be in our nation's capitol for such a special occasion. I am so glad the timing worked out because Washington DC knows patriotism!

Arlington Cemetery was decorated with flags on every grave and the sight was breathtaking. The loss of life for freedom has never been more real to me. I was able to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Such honor is given to those who serve our country and it was awesome to be a part of it, if only for a day.

The Iwo Jima Memorial was very interesting. The whole experience of Washington DC made me realize how little I remember of my American history. When I got home, I was inspired to study up. The battle of Iwo Jima was one of the bloodiest in the World War II, with more than 6,800 American and 23,000 Japanese casualties. Of the six soldiers shown  on the memorial (from the original photo), only three survived the war. The other three were killed during further battles at Iwo Jima. The movie, "Flags of Our Fathers," does a good job of telling the story, but it is bloody and sad, as is the reality of war.

I can't remember Memorial Day Weekend last year without remembering my baby! I took her with me on the trip and she was a trooper most of the time. I am still waiting for my merit badge for "Successfully Traveling Solo Across the Country with a Baby." I am also waiting on a few other badges for my mom vest actually. I need one for "Potty Training a Toddler," "Chasing Cows While 9 Months Pregnant," and "Best Chocolate Chip Cookies." I was also told to expect a merit badge for "Best Wife of the Year Award 2008," but I haven't received that one either. These discrepancies are most likely a clerical error that would be  helped by that "Best Chocolate Chip Cookie" recipe, if I remember how to bake with sugar. But more on that in another post.

I visited a few people on my trip East. In Washington DC was my cousin Jessi who lives with her husband 2 hours away from the DC in Virginia. She was my tour guide and did a wonderful job. She deserves a merit badge for "Showing a Cousin with an 8 Month Old Baby the Entire City of Washington DC in One Day." We were worn out, but had tons of fun.

Ah, remembering when I was 20 pounds skinnier.... And when I could carry around a baby all day without falling over from exhaustion. My hair was pretty pathetic though... I must not have met Trisha at Solstice Hair Studio yet. And is that nail polish I am wearing? I am not sure what I was thinking, but I guess I got a little crazy with my respite from farm life.

Earlier in the week (last year), I was in Tennessee with my friend Laura, who lives there, and Hillary, who flew in from California. We had a great time hanging out and just being together. We also saw the sights of Nashville. The building above is a recreation of the Parthenon (in Athens). Nashville isn't just the home of the Grand 'Ole Opry! We had a great time.

Here is my baby again. What a cutie! I hardly remember when she was so small and chubby. The running, talkative toddler we now chase around is far different, but just as cute. And she usually sleeps all night now. That is a plus!

So, that is my trip in review. Now I have the travel bug again. I want to fly off on a great adventure, but my pictures will have to do for the next while. Have a great long weekend!