Memorial Day 2015

What a great family day!  We started off early with a big breakfast made by Douglas, Koen and Tavin.  We needed the fuel because for the fourth year in a row we walked down to the Lawrenceville Memorial Day Parade.  It was a glorious morning for a long walk.  Tavin was so excited, to say he had "a spring in his step" is an understatement.

We got to the parade right in time to find a spot and for me to feed Jansen.  Here are some pictures Doug took of the boys enjoying the parade...  Penn watching the bagpipers.

Koen loves the radio station, KLOVE!  

I got a few pictures too.  Here's the littlest Melder boy hanging in there through this older boy experience (lots of musket fire and loud engines of assorted vehicles!).  He is just loving sucking on his hands, thumbs and fingers these days.  

Here's Penn enjoying a nice view from Daddy's shoulders.  He was in awe the whole time!

We had several friends join us at the parade and were able to get one (Miss Megan Magee!) take some family photos.  Here are my top 2.

After the parade, we headed up the huge hill towards home.  The boys were amazing on the warm walk home.  It was still a glorious day for a walk, but they were tired.  We all benefited from a few hours indoors in the AC afterwards.  Tav helped out by holding Jansen when we first got home and were unloading things.  So precious!

After some downtime, Doug took Koen and Tavin to a friend's picnic in the afternoon.  They returned a little before we were expecting some good friends for our low key Memorial Day picnic.  It was a blast!  We spent most of our time in the backyard.  Here are a few pictures...  First, Deborah and Megan were happy to get their hands on Jansen.  Here's Deborah and her youngest, Hazel, with Jansen.

We had so much fun in our tiny backyard.  I was really encouraged we could entertain 9 kids in our petite urban oasis.  Bubbles were a big hit. 

Check out the sweet little photo opp with Hazel and Penn when they were caught hanging out on the bench under the tree.  Precious! 

After dinner, Doug got the fire going and the kids got to roast marshmallows and make S'mores!

Messy, happy kiddos! 

Re-arranging the chairs became a fun activity and then the kids made a train.  Pretty cute! 

Well, that's all the pictures for Memorial Day 2015.  It was a great family day.  What a lovely start to the official summer season.  I can't end this post though without saying, "thank you," to all those who have served, are serving and who have given their lives to defend our country, our freedom, allowing us to live this life of liberty we enjoy so much.  God bless America!