We were thankful to be able to catch the Traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial on the last day of the festival. The small town over from us was picked to have the exhibit and with K being older, we wanted her to see it. S has never seen the real wall and was just as excited to see it. I've seen the real one in D.C and I can say.....both are humbling and thought provoking.
K asked what all the names were for and we explained it. She knew immediately what the rifle in the boot was for from seeing pics from her Uncle. I can say I was very proud when she said "Everyone should see this and realize that these men died".
We took a rubbing off the wall of our family friend. Very sad to see so many names on those walls and how today many people have no idea what and why they died for. It was nice too that many families who have a loved one on the wall, but can't afford to go to D.C. or just can't make the trip.
I hope that all the people that came to the festival took some time out of riding rides, talking, eating and such and paid their respect.
It's persimmons and pumpkins lol There is NOTHING, and I mean nothing like the smell of persimmons as you process them! It's a seasonal flavor and favorite. Persimmon pudding with a big dollop of Cool Whip is a family favorite. I'm thankful to have my "new to me" pulper even if it is a hand crank. Much better than how I've always done them (pushed through a colander) and how many still do it. Thankful for S's cousin letting me have all the persimmons I want off his property because I'm nice and send him over plates every couple weekends....and I supply him with a pudding ;)
We have our first full month of Second grade in. It's been a bit of a change as far as teacher expectations. More writing, complete answers with explanations but all around a great month! K is doing excellent and not only loves her classmates but thinks the world of her teacher.
I like that this year they mixed up the class more with only maybe 2 from K's last years class. For 2 years it had been almost the same core group, which was good for friendships, but issues tended to run over from one year to the next.
I like Mrs. F's style, her attitude and her expectations. So here's to a school year off and running!!!!
We had a wonderful time at the family reunion. Loved seeing everyone, K had a blast and there was far too much wonderful food. I won a new crock pot for "Best Dessert" for my Heath cake :) and S made some awesome Cajun pork loin. Everyone made some great dishes.
Was odd not having Grandma Lucille smiling from her chair but I think she'd say we are one crazy bunch lol
My Uncle has had a very hard time since my Aunt passed unexpectedly this summer. They have been together for many, many years and since my Uncle had retired it was the two of them doing most things together. It's been hard on us all seeing him have his hard days and I'm very thankful for my cousin and how strong she has been for her Dad.
I was lucky enough to grow up with this Aunt and Uncle. Alot lol Their daughter and I are exactly a month apart and we split every holiday (half at her house, half at mine) and we split the summer the same way. So technically both sets of parents had twins lol I've always loved my Uncle very much and I'm thankful that K gets to be in his life as well.
So it was a fun day of laughing, walking the dogs, and having fun!
One thing I love about my family is that we not only enjoy eating lol but we enjoy getting together for big meals.
In August we do a fish fry for the end of summer and summer birthdays. My uncle and aunt provide the catfish, chicken and shrimp and my Uncle does the frying. Then we all pitch in sides and desserts.
The weather was very hot but I'm thankful that K gets family time and lots of cousin time. I'm also thankful that my husband loves the get-togethers just as much as I do!
This year it was a bit different. A cousin and her family moved and didn't attend but we all still had a good time. The best thing was my Uncle getting his bday gift a few months early! When he was younger my grandpa on my Dad's side sold my grandpa on my Mom's side a horse and saddle. My Uncle loved that horse and he stayed on the farm until he passed. The saddle had been put up, along with all those memories for many years. My cousins got together and had the saddle restored to how it originally was. You rarely ever see my Uncle cry but the tears were flowing today! My aunts and my Mom cried too.
