Memorial Weekend

"If tomorrow all the things were gone, I’d worked for all my life. And I had to start again, with just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars, to be livin here today. ‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom, and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I wont forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today. ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA."

THANK YOU to those that have served, will serve, and especially those that have made the ultimate sacrifice, so we may enjoy all of the freedoms we have today!!!

We spent our weekend honoring those that serve by spending time with family ---

Aunt Shana, Uncle Brian, and Harley & Bailey all came in for a couple of days.  Bubby and Zaide came up to help Cousin Steve celebrate his birthday (along with Lynne and Lisa, too).  Of course, family would not be complete without Grandma and Papa!!!  We had SO much fun, there aren't many pictures...so, enjoy what we got:

 

Starting the weekend off right...with Cherry!

Don't I look cute?

Daddy is SO funny!

Weird app in the blog that automatically did this!  The many faces of Joshua!

 

Aunt Shana and Uncle Brian went to visit their friends, and while they were gone, the dogs were barking, howling, and crying.  Josh found this to be TOO funny!  We didn't catch the gut wrenching giggles on video, but you'll get the idea:        

Bubby and Derek work on lining up cars...IN a tent IN the middle of our house!

Derek has fun somersaulting in the shade:

                                                   

                                             

Daddy is super psyched to have Bailey cuddle up next to him for movie night!

Two smiley chicks!

Two smiley guys!

 

One Cute Kid!

Good morning, sunshine!

Cuddle time in Derek's bed!

Playing with the bubble wand.

And figuring it out, too!

Derek decided he wanted to spend the night at Grandma and Papa's house.  Only, he didn't go to sleep until 3 hours of manipulating his poor grandparents!  But, the next morning, they were up and "flying" the boys around their family room!

Another neat app, automatically put together by blog (there were several to post, but we weren't sure how they would show up...give us some feedback and let us know if it's worth doing in the future)!

Mommy and Daddy Get Away!

Mommy and Daddy headed up to the Berkshires to celebrate Erin and Chris' Wedding.  They were sad to leave their babies behind, but knew they were in good hands (with Grandma and Papa - Bubby was too sick to have those kiddies at her and Zaide's house - likely excuse, right?!).

Saying "cheese" with Papa, the night before the folks left town.

Josh doesn't seem to be phased by his first weekend away from Mommy and Daddy.

Josh models for us!

Mommy and Daddy had an amazing weekend with college friends.  They got in Friday night and had dinner with "the Al's" (Alison and Alan).  Then the rest of the gang joined in for some indoor mini-golf.  Great fun was had by all.  The next morning, they went to a farmer's market, and then hiked with the Al's on a 2.5 mile hike on Monument Mountain.  It was beautiful out!  

About half way through...

Panorama!

At the top!

Waterfall.

Then we went back into town and had lunch and walked around fun little shops.  Shortly after we headed back to our hotel to get ready for the wedding! The wedding was held on a retired dairy farm.  The ceremony was beautiful and the reception was tons of fun!  The bride and groom even had their very own fireworks display!!  (AMAZING!!!)

All dressed up with a GREAT place to go!

The Roomies!

The girls!

Great group shot!

Meanwhile...back at the ranch  at home....Grandma and Papa took Derek and Joshua to (several) fire stations.  They Palm Beach County Fire-station were having an open day for kids to come visit.  Gma and Papa decided one station just wasn't enough (because Derek wanted a Red fire-hat and each place only had Yellow)!  Derek also got scared when they sounded the horn and siren (he even cried for a minute and said it was TOO loud)!

The noise didn't seem to bother Josh too much!

All cleaned up after a busy day!

Cuddle time with Papa!

Bed time?  I'm not tired!

Speaking of bedtimes....Derek was NOT going to sleep the first night.  First Grandma read him a story.  Then Papa read him a story.  Then Grandma, then papa, then songs were sung.  Then cuddling ensued.  Eventually, Derek told Grandma he wanted to go home and sleep in his bed.  Grandma asked why, and Derek said, "because I want to suck my thumb."  When she said he could suck his thumb in Uncle Keith's bed he popped it in and went to sleep!

Morning cartoons!

Our little couch potatoes!

Such bums.

It was good to be home and see this little tush again!

6 months old!

Joshua is 6 months old today!

Happily "working" in his office.

Josh, hanging out with Sock Monkey.

Derek decides to pose with Josh.

Can't believe this little boy is 6 months old!

"Marching" in the chair.

First attempt at carrots!

Here goes nothing...

At first, Josh didn't seem to like them...

But, in the end, he ate the WHOLE thing!

Happy 6 months Joshua Aaron!

Knock, Knock

Who's there?  Laila, cousin Laila...has taught Derek about "Knock, Knock" jokes and, now, he's totally into them!  (But more about that later!)

I'm too young to get jokes, but I'm still a joker!

For now, we want to wish cousin Adaya a Happy 1st Birthday!  We weren't able to be there for the festivities, but we certainly celebrated with her:

Group shot in our "party" hats!

And a good day to you, Sir!

Here's the real party animal (at 24 weeks old)!

Josh's hair may not be growing, but Derek's doesn't really know what to do!

One minute it's curly, the next it's doing the alfalfa!

Lazy mornings are the best, wouldn't you say boys?

Josh cuddles up with a snoring Daddy.

The boys hang out on the couch.

Breakfast of champions!  (Check out those thighs)!

Our garden is still producing the darkest raspberries you've ever seen!  Right, Derek?

Say plplplplplplplplpl

Days later...still delicious!

So, as we were saying before...Daddy started sharing a few "knock, knock" jokes with Derek...and then Derek decided to give them a try himself!