The sheer amount of headstones representing our brave military servicemen and women is overwhelming to me at Arlington National Cemetery. I only requested one place to visit on Monday and after being there on this special holiday, I thought, there is no way I could move forward in years to come without reflecting on the men I saw that were there from years past that served our country. It is fresh in my memory- the elderly gentleman with shaky hands that I spoke with using a walker to hand out register your vet cards wearing ribbons from long ago wars. Another gentleman that was walking the length of the mall with his son and daughter that had to stop every few benches to rest, but was determined to reach his destination. The Band of Brothers trio- hearty and comical, but with hearts of gold committed to honoring and celebrating American soldiers. Hundreds of onlookers, a group wearing patriotic tie dye, my husband not complaining about the long walk with three kids in tow. This was by far one of the more meaningful afternoons I’ve spent in quite some time- one more way to remember how very blessed our nation is to have so many people that serve to protect and fight for ours, and other nations, freedom.
I am thankful.
I haven’t documented here how crazy our May has been trying to get Andy’s orders set up, but let me just say this: There’s been a lot of running around to and fro base including multiple phone calls, e-mails, & post-its. You name it, we’re trying to get out of Ohio. The base just wants MORE paperwork to be filled out. I’m not complaining, just stating the facts. I brought my camera to snap the hospital halls where we spent so much of Thursday (besides gymnastics/speech/ballet), but that darn rain had other plans. This shot more accurately described a harried day anyway- in the drive-thru trying to get everything fit in.
On Sunday, the girls and I headed south to see a stage production of Disney’s Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty at a charming little theatre in Centerville called 
That same cutie in color. I think that might be my eye color on her. Nice.
My daughter-that’s-one-week-shy-of-turning-seven (what??!):
