Memorial Day

I love America!  We are so lucky to live in this country.  We have wonderful opportunities available to us such as public education.  We have a say in our government.  We have the freedom to choose our career, our religion, and how to use our time.  A great big thank you to goes out to all who have sacrificed to make it possible.  This year to remember those who have given so much on our behalf I took my family to the Ridgefield Memorial Day Service:

They presented the colors.

There was a 21 gun salute.

Taps was played.

A few stories were shared about those who have given their lives for our country and those who are currently in our service.  I appreciated this simple yet powerful ceremony that helped me and my family take pause for those who have given so much for what we enjoy daily.  I especially appreciate that this ceremony began and ended with prayer.  

"One nation under God."

Harmony Elementary Track

McKenna chose to be a part of the Harmony Track Team this year.  She did great and placed in almost all of her events.  Here is a video of her 100 yard dash:

She also placed first in the hurdles:

Another track star in the family - that's 4 for 4!

Grandpa Bowen

My Sweet, Strong Grandpa--so dashing.

This past weekend my cousins and I went on a road trip to Malad, Idaho to help celebrate Grandpa Bowen's 90th Birthday.  It was so great to spend hours in the car visiting with some of my very best friends.  The drive was enjoyable and went by very quickly.  There is nothing like being in Malad.  It is almost as if time stops when you drive into the city limits.

Can you imagine all us girls together in a vehicle for 14 hours?

G&G Bowen, two of my favorite people.

The party was held at the community center and it seemed like the whole town turned out.  They all know grandpa, whether from his school bus days, years as a mail carrier or his service as a volunteer fireman.  He is a fixture in the community.  It was also nice to see all the extended family I get to see so rarely.  Great Aunts and Uncles, distant and not so distant cousins--

The Lavar Bowen Family
L to R:  Suzanne, Dianne, Lavar, Ruth and Sandy

Grandpa's Siblings
Aunt Kathlee, Aunt Helen and Uncle Bob

Dixie and Chris

Jennie and Tam

Marc and Leslie

The Bowen's truly have something special!