I come from a long line of military families and the fact that every single family member who served our country made it home alive is not lost on me.  I am eternally grateful to all those service members, and their families, who paid the ultimate price.  Some gave all.  God Bless America.

I did a lot of work over the long weekend, but took a break Monday to spend the entire day with my family and friends.  The weather has been insanely hot and sunny, so all of our plans involved water.  Mostly the pool, although we did take a pool break yesterday to do one of my favorite activities:  biking the Swamp Rabbit trail and then hanging out downtown in Falls Park.  I just love our little city.

Bodie got a new bike last weekend and he’s already ridden it on the Swamp Rabbit Trail twice!Emery and Charlie took a little rope swing break

The kids just couldn’t resist getting in the river at Falls Park.  These cuties have all known each other since they were in their mommies’ bellies.  We ended the day at a friend’s house grilling burgers and playing baseball.  This is the fruit plate/dessert I brought.  Look closely and you’ll see that the raspberries are stuffed with a dark chocolate chip.  Such an easy and delicious summer treat.

I hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday remembering those who paid the ultimate price.  Even though this week is a short one, it’s a busy one.  I’m still monogramming lots of teachers gifts and graduation gifts, plus we’ve got two field days and our first swim meet of the season.  Whew!