memorial day bbq

a perfect day for a holiday - for swimming and playing with friends - for enjoying a delicious potluck (and our first tofurky dogs) - and yes, most definitely for taking time to remember the reason for today. remembering all those men and women who have gone into harms way, all those sons and daughters and brothers and sisters and husbands and wives and mommies and daddies and friends and family members who have put "real  life" on hold, to miss birthdays and anniversaries and home runs and graduations and births and deaths and family dinners and holding hands and hugs and kisses and sunsets and special moments ..... all the stuff that makes up life to do the work of their country, to go in harms way. some of those heroes never get to come back to real life, those who pay the ultimate sacrifice in defense and support of their country's mission. thank you to all veterans who have answered the call of service and thank you to those heroes and their families and loved ones who have given their lives to protect this land we so love. am thankful for my soulmate Marine and so proud of everything he does!

ready for swim team!

my goodness he is so handsome!

lady bug was determined to swim despite the cold water - she was tickled with ever second she spent in the pool!  she was equally tickled with walking around the pool deck with a huge slice of watermelon in each fist.

he found nemo!