Celebrating Memorial Day

(Names of Men and Women who have served our country on flags and the Eagle Field of Honor)

 I always love celebrating Memorial Day in Lund.  We always go to the cemetery late Sunday night or early Monday morning and place flowers on the graves and tidy up the headstones.  I love talking with my family about the memories of those who have died.  We smile a lot and laugh a lot, too, remembering all the good things about our family members.  But when we can't be there, we always find special ways to celebrate.

 I especially like to visit our family grave sites with American flags.  We'll go home next week and see flags on Grandpa Neil's grave. Because we can't be home we go to Eagle's Field of Honor to visit and read the names of 600 servicemen on 600 flags.  We visit the beautiful Veteran's Cemetery in Boise.  We talk about our grandpas and uncles and cousins who have served in the military.  We read journal entries from soldiers of past wars.  I hope my kids feel gratitude and patriotism during this time and I hope it lasts long after the holiday.

We also take some time to just be together and to enjoy our freedom--a wonderful place to live.  Wonderful family.  And wonderful friends.  We are so grateful for those who have fought so hard so that we may have so many things to enjoy.  I truly hope my kids feel grateful for all of these blessings.

I planned to take a few pictures at our beautiful Veteran's Cemetery today, but it was just too sacred even to be there.  So many little headstones with flags and with family gathered around wiping eyes and sharing stories.  Many were kneeling at the graves in prayer.  We just stood silently and watched.  I truly hope my children understand the price we pay for freedom and how fortunate we are to have the lives we do in this country.

We are lucky to have their Great-Grandpa Kemp in our lives to tell us amazing stories about WWII. 
 
and to make bead necklaces!

and enjoy ice cream together!

We're grateful we can just enjoy the day together with our little family and our friends.

 

(We tried our first dip in the pool today with our friends--it was just a bit too chilly!)

Happy Memorial Day!

We also love watching this........

► 10:03► 10:03

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSMlIM9zLio

Sportsmanship.

I just had to post this picture.  Like I said before, I'm doing photo books and trying to sort pictures to add to the books.  It's really so much fun.  Especially when you look at a picture and it's personality just jumps right out at you.

I know the previous post was all about sportsmanship.  And I have a lot of fun action shots from this fun Kemp family basketball game.  But this one.  THIS ONE.  Is my very favorite.  Every Kemp in this picture is telling another Kemp what's what about the game.  All at the same time.  I don't know if it was the score, a foul, a travel, or a shot--doesn't matter.  But, it's all caught on film.  I just love it.  And it was all done in good (and loud) humor.  The only one not talking a little trash was the kid in the turquoise shorts in the back.  He's our cute next door neighbor.  He's just laughing.

 

Like I am right now...................and this makes me smile........

(Grandpa and Sarah enjoying the game.  Grandpa would be right in the middle of the game if he could see a little better!

I know I'm poking fun.  But seriously, I love this family I married in to.  They took so much time on this trip to help and teach my boys some serious skills.  It's so good for my kids.  And we had a lot of fun, too.  More fun family pics to come....

Sporty Advice and Spring Sports

Last year we got this letter from Carter's soccer coach.  I think it is written very well with some great advice.  It helps me keep things in perspective during all my kids sporting events--not just soccer.  So here's some wise words and some pics of all the kids enjoying their spring sports.  It's been so much fun!

• I recently took a team to a tournament out of state and the tournament director sent this advice to everyone attending the tournament. Having already put two kids through the soccer experience and working on a third, I can honestly say this is some of the best advice I've ever heard. It's geared a little more toward the Competitive-type player, but it is still good:
• "Take lots of pictures and movies. Right now it seems like soccer will go on forever, and there will always be more games and tournaments and trips to look forward to, but it ends in a heartbeat. Or at least it seems that way. ... Don't focus on the games, focus on your kids and their teammates and the other families you are getting to know. When it is over, you will be amazed at how much you enjoy reliving those experiences, especially when your children become adults.
• Kids are loyal to their teammates and coaches. When you criticize them, your children are put in a tough position and respond in a variety of ways. The one thing I know for sure is being in that position is not fun for kids. That is why you have a dog/spouse/significant other. Tell it all to them.
• ... Be like your kids. Care while they are playing, move on when the whistle blows. Stop talking about it, stop thinking about it and do something fun with your family.
• Sit back and enjoy your children and the wonderful things they do on a soccer field. ... See what is important, ignore what isn't.
• (Over the course of the coming season) you will spend some money, watch a lot of bad to outstanding soccer, witness some great refereeing and ugly coaching (or vice versa), struggle to find parking, misread a schedule, etc. etc. etc. I would submit to you that none of that matters. At the end of the day, here's what matters: Hug your kids, kiss your dog/spouse/significant other, spend as much time as possible enjoying your family, the weather and the joy of being together. Everything else is window dressing."

With that...here's some fun spring sport pics.....

Sarah has informed her brothers that yes, indeed, ballet is a sport.......

(Practicing before class in the back yard)

(Taking a break)

 Oh....and that they also do ballet moves!

(Tyler playing lacrosse at Ann Morrison Park--The Ravens)

 Lacrosse is a new experience for all of us.  Tyler played with some great friends and his speed made him avoid getting layed out all the time (although it happened many times.)  I think this will be a good sport for Tyler.

(Carrying the ball to the goal)

Carter's got the moves, too.

(Upward Basketball team--awesome St. Patrick's socks)

And the best part--he got to play with his good friend from New Hampshire.  This picture looks creepy, but it was just crazy hair day!

(Ethan and Carter on Crazy Hair Day!)

 Even tough Jordan was graceful!  He has played ever since October with Boise Slam.  It has been such a great experience for him.  He is just tough and he always gives 100%.  We even got to go to a tournament in Salt Lake City with his team.  It was a fun season.

(Jordan playing in Salt Lake with Boise Slam)

 Princess Ninja

 

The Pinewood Derby is also a sport, I guess.  Here is Carter working on his car after his football game.

 

And getting some unsolicited help from his sister.

And, of course, we can't forget Carter's Spring Flag Football Team--the Texans.  Here he is with his two buddies from school posing after a drenching, rainy practice.

 Bikes.....

 

 Playgrounds.

 

  Water Balloons.

 

 And back to dancing.  Sarah had so much fun in her spring dance class!  Oh how I love doing girl stuff with my girl.

(Getting ready for her Spring Recital)

(Me and my girl)

(But really, she's daddy's girl!)

 Piano and trumpet count as sports, too, because of the amazing amount of energy we use trying to get these boys to practice.

(This teacher is a saint.  She's done great with the boys.  The did so good at their recital.  We were pleasantly surprised!)

(Middle School Band Concert.  It actually sounded really good!)

I'm actually sad all of these fun things are coming to and end this year.  The last games were today.  I took some of the advice from the letter and really enjoyed their activities.  Great families, good coaches, cool breezes, new skills, and just gratitude that we can participate!

 But we will enjoy a little extra free time until the next season starts!

Giving this another try.

I really, really want to blog again.  It's been too long.  I have pictures I want to share with family and friends.  I've taken on a new project of doing photo books because we really need to get hard copies of pictures somehow.   Anyway, I discovered that the events I blogged about go in the books faster and easier--even if is just the picture and a little information.  It really helps to have them organized and online--so here goes!  I'm aiming for 2012.  Just 2012.  I can do it.

Okay, maybe not just 2012.  Sarah turned 4 on December 29, 2011.  So that's where I'll start. :)

Happy Birthday, Sweet Sarah!!  I still can't believe she's really 4.  4!  We had a fun birthday part for her with a Polly Pocket cake (her request).  He daddy took her to Build-A-Bear where she chose this pink Hello Kitty.  She still sleeps with her every night.  I love spoiling this girl.

 Playing with all her toys.  The doll house was actually a Christmas present, but I think it all combined for her with her birthday and Christmas so close.  She told me she will always let me cuddle and kiss and hold her no matter how old she is.  Love you, Sarah!!