Memorial Day

 

As a military family, so many people wish us a Happy Memorial Day, while also thanking us for our service.  That is well-intentioned and very kind, but Memorial Day actually has nothing at all to do with us. 

Memorial Day is intended for all of us to honor, remember, and commemorate those military service members (and their families) who have sacrificed it ALL, meaning death. 

Since our experience with the military, this holiday means that much more to me now. I know how much how every military member and family sacrifices unbelievable and innumerable amounts, but it is nothing compared to those that gave their entire life in order to help and save others. 

I pray for those families often, think of them frequently, and want the focus of this post and holiday to be on that. That story could have (and still could) so easily be our own, and so our hearts especially go out to those families in our own military community.

After so much recent time apart again, it is nice to be able to make the most of this day with my own Marine, and to remember that because of God's grace, we are able to celebrate this day together.

We started off the day by heading to downtown Libertyville for a Memorial Day Parade with The Marshalls. It was gorgeous out and we loved hanging out in the quaint downtown. It was the quintessential perfect morning/late afternoon.

We then headed to the Earhart's for a cook out- so many laughs, as always!

Just what Memorial Day needs... grilling, a bags tournament, a little pool, and backyard fun with framily!

(Why is no one surprised I'm caught in the wild loving on my pups in this pic?)

A perfect way to spend the day! This weekend 5 years ago at a lakehouse near Houston (when Shane and I became official) was one of my absolute best weekends of my life, but it was nice to spend this time at home with family for the first time in a long time too!

The weather was perfect for us to enjoy the holiday together.

Yay for having my husband around again to do life with!

Can you tell C&C were living their best lives too?

Give them kids, a yard, another dog, and people...and they are in all their glory. Michael was cracking up playing peek-a-boo with Caylor as she was playing back.

We are so grateful to ALL of the military families that make this day possible for all of us. Our hearts go out to the families that are especially hurting today and just want these day to come and go. Thankfulness and gratitude for their selflessness and service is what it's all about. <3