A Small Town Memorial Day Celebration

Of the four years that we've lived in our little town, this was the first year that we were actually in town to celebrate Memorial Day. It was a page out of the typical small-town Memorial Day celebration that captures the imagination. I was charmed by the whole weekend, and I hope to be in town every Memorial Day after this.

Sunday evening was a concert in the bandshell. It was a throw-back to the music and dance of the 1920's, complete with phrases like "bee's knees, cat's pajamas, and hotsy totsy".

Chloe loved the concert. She made her way through our bag of popcorn in record time, giving away sweaty handfuls of popcorn to all the people sitting close by.
The next day, Memorial Day, shone bright and clear. The parade was the highlight of the morning. The lady on the right of me in this picture did not stop talking the entire time. I finally switched seats with Paul because I couldn't take it any longer!
I love this picture because of the beautiful sky and the red balloon in the foreground. Our church handed out these balloons, which have these words printed on them "Lest We Forget".
Here are some parade participants - the dog dressed as a butterfly...
...the old jalopy...

... the (very loud) racecar...
...the float from the college football hall of fame. Driving home we passed this site, which speaks for itself.
Once home, we brought out the pool for the first time this summer. Chloe was waiting with great anticipation.

Filling up the pool.

My handsome husband soaking in the rays.
I had to take this picture - Chloe ended up getting wetter than she liked - especially in the freezing water!
This is Paul doing a cannonball into the pool. If you look closely on the side of the pool, you will see a picture with the words "No Jumping". Hmmm...
Noah and Olivia's friend Carmen was over too. I love this picture of childhood fun - not a care in the world, going through life with a good friend and a bag of Doritos.

Noah Graduated!

We have a kindergarten graduate! Noah graduated on Thursday night. It was such a special evening for many reasons. Olivia was also in the program because the Pre-Kers had a part in the program. Both sets of grandparents were so sweet to travel long distances for the occasion.

The program was a mock day of kindergarten. One of the little girls in Noah's class was the teacher. They did a demonstration of the pledges, reading, math, etc.

Olivia's PK class made up the class. This picture cracks me up because of how they are crossing their hands on their hearts for the pledge. The little girl second from left has both hands crossed just to make sure she's at least doing one right. :) Olivia is in the black dress.
Noah is so serious walking down the aisle to "Pomp and Circumstance".
This was taken right after Noah received his diploma and his teacher moved his tassle.
So happy!
Noah and CarmenNoah, Evan, Jadon
Noah and Rachel (the girl he's going to marry, so he says!)
Noah and the grands

We were so excited for him!

Celebrating with ice cream and cookies

Recent Happenings

Noah and Olivia completed another year in the Awana program at church. Noah finished his first book in Sparks, and Olivia finished her second year of Cubbies. They were so excited to receive their little awards!

Olivia discovered she had a twin.
My piano students entertained their families and friends at the annual spring piano recital. I had twenty students participating this year. I was so proud of them! They're such a cute bunch.
Our tree is in full blossom. Last year the tree didn't blossom. I wasn't quite sure why it didn't, but my sneaking suspicion was that some little hands picked off all the berries before they had a chance to flower. This year the rule was "The berries stay ON the tree!" And we were rewarded with this.

Happy spring!