Memorial Day

We went to the world's shortest parade this morning, haha! It was in the next town over, and a lot of people came out to see it! We met up with my friend Caryn and her family, who live just down the road from the parade route, so that was fun. Here's a picture of Gus and Nikos, but you can see Caryn's husband and the two kids behind Gus.

And the parade got off to a great start! There was a Revolutionary War drum group:

along with a group of guys in Civil War costumes, some veterans in old cars, all the local scouts handing out flags, etc. And... then it was done! I think it was less than ten minutes long! To be fair, the plan was to parade down Main Street to the farthest cemetery, do a ceremonial salute and reading there, and then work their way back up Main Street to four other cemeteries, doing the same thing at each. So it took quite a bit of time, actually. It's just that the parade part was very, very short. We didn't see the ceremonies at the cemeteries. Instead, we took the kids to the playground right there, along with everyone else in the vicinity who had small children. It was getting close to lunch time, so we said our goodbyes and went to head home... only to find the road was still blocked. Sadly, we were forced to go out to lunch. It was just terrible. :) Back at the ranch, we did some gardening and some playing outside. Maya picked me flowers:

I also felt inspired to try an idea with the kids that I did with Nikos a few years ago-- when he was definitely too young! You cut the bottom off of an empty water bottle, attach a washcloth around that end with a rubber band (or in my case, wire), and then dip it in a dish soap and water solution (mostly soap). When you blow through the mouth of the bottle, it makes these awesome bubble snakes! Gus even enjoyed it. He made this one, which Maya promptly ran over and destroyed.

We dined al fresco again, since it was the third day in a row of absolutely beautiful, picture-perfect weather. And then we fired up the fire pit so the kids could roast some marshmallows. I have a feeling I am going to be going through a lot of marshmallows this summer! But it's okay... They are having a great time! I also got out my camera and forced them to take a family photo with me. Not too terrible!

Gus is still out by the fire pit, even though it's getting pretty dark and there is a thunderstorm rolling in to the north of us. I'm sad that the weekend is over, and tomorrow Gus has to go back to work. If only every weekend could be like this one!