Day 3...this post brought to you by...

All day today I have been taking care of my grand-daughter while my son and daughter-in-law are off on an adventure.

This morning we hung out with my Mother and drove up to St. Louis.  They were having some veteran's thing in conjunction with Labor Day events and we wanted to check it out. 

This was part of a bigger display but I love the shot I took.

The only problem for us was three-fold: we forgot Izabella's stroller, it was hot (again for the 3rd day in a row), and we got there way too early.


At least we got to see this fun hot air balloon and a police horse.  Izabella was not too sure about that but she petted the horse anyway. 

Never forgotten!

The officer told us he rides and trains everyday with his horse.

My mom and Izabella (guy got in my photo shot)

We also saw the beginnings of the National Wheel Chair Tennis Tournament.  I was so amazed at watching this one guy practice.  I'm telling you, I would not play well standing up more less this guy who was in his chair. All I can say is wow!

This guy was good!

Mom then took us over to the Boat House for lunch. As many times that I have been in Forest Park, I had never been there. It was so lovely and right next to the lake...such the name because they have paddle boats to rent. 

To the Boat House

Finally, as it was unbelievably hot, we got in the car and toured around a little bit of the park. This park has been in existence since the 1904 World's Fair that took place there. Many of the buildings and features from then still exist.  It is an exquisite park, well taken care of and well used.


After that most exciting morning and early afternoon, we came home and watched Sesame Street, sang, danced and read books. Finally, Izabella has laid back down for a nap and her grandma gets to blog about the day. :)


How has your Saturday been?


Peace, love, and Elmo...Naila Moon

Did you practice your oohh and ahhhs before the big moment?/Update

Yesterday was July 4th...Happy Birthday USA!
Tamirisc and I sat outside (getting bit by mosquitoes) and enjoyed the shows around Po Dunk. Some people really put on a show too! Whoo.


Anyway, as I sat there (wishing I had bug spray), I could not help to think of how grateful I am to live in a country where I am free. Free to say want I want and live how I want...that is, within reason.


It is a privilege to live here and have those freedoms but yet, we have to take them with responsibility too. Hurting others with our words and our actions is not what having freedom is about nor what I think anyone should be about. I believe we need to take care of each other and be kind to each other. Having said that though, as a nation, we can only do so much.  What I am really talking about is in our own homes...a responsible freedom starts there.


Anyway, I am a grateful citizen and again, Happy Birthday USA. See you again for your birthday next year but maybe with some cake!
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Update:
I am still reeling from the events in the last week and last few months. It has been difficult to say the least on my family. I thank you to those who have sent kind words...especially to those that feel my pain at this time because you can relate.  


I hope to get back to regular blogging in the next week. 


Peace...Naila Moon

Memorial Day...is it about BBQ's?

I was having a discussion with Tamirisc about Memorial Day. I contended that people really did not know the original meaning behind Memorial Day. 

I also thought/think that most people see it as the start of summer and bbq season and really do not attend any Memorial Day services. 

Also, the question was raised...Why have Veteran's Day then when we honor vets today too?

Well, I am here to give some answers.

FACT: 

• Originally was called Decoration Day
• Who officially started Memorial Day is unknown 
• The official proclamation of an actual day was May 5, 1868 with the official dedication on May 30, 1868
• On this day flowers were laid on top of the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers-thus intending for reconcilliation of Northern and Southern states
• New York was the first to recognize it as a holiday in 1890-all other northern states followed suit.
• Southern states refused to recognize the holiday until after WWI when the holiday was changed to recognize all fallen soldiers from all wars
• A few southern states still celebrate their dead on a different day although all state recognize the official holiday
• In 1971, Congress passed the National Holiday Act which gave a three day weekend for Federal holidays
• The idea of poppies being worn (and then later "sold" by VFW's) was enacted by Moina Michael who did so in order to remember the fallen
• She wrote a poem too that inspired the wearing of the poppy
• 1200 soldiers on the Thursday before Memorial Day place small U.S. flags on the more than 260,000 grave stones at Arlington Cemetery, then they patrol the grounds for 24 hours to make sure none of the flags fall. (Here in MO, they Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts place flags at 150,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery
• Although most cities no longer have parades, in 2004 Washington, DC had its first in 60 years
• In 2000 Congress enacted the National Day of Remembrance Bill to help American's to return to the meaning of Memorial Day

Thank you to all of those who gave their lives. I am forever grateful.

Peace...Naila Moon