Memorial Day

Our Memorial Day tradition is to attend Uncle Jerry and Aunt Carrell's picnic in Auburn, which is always a fabulous time.  Uncle Jerry, my great uncle, is the youngest of seven kids.  My Grandaddy Hughes is one of those children....four boys and three girls in all.  All but one of the siblings was able to be at the picnic this year.  It's always so special to see them all together.  Hadley loves getting to see "great" Grandaddy and Nana Hughes. 

I so look forward to the food at this shindig each year.  Barbecue ribs, brisket, shredded barbecue, chicken, and every side dish and dessert you could possibly imagine fill the wagon.  I brought pasta salad with mini pepperonis and chunks of mozzarella cheese, which is totally a summertime potluck/picnic staple for me.  I need to expand my culinary repertoire in major ways.

Hadley had three deviled eggs and wanted more, but I had to cut her off due to embarassment of breaking line to get the eggs and fear that there wouldn't be enough for everyone else.  The child could turn in to an egg, I do believe.

At last year's picnic we even wandered up to the church to play on the swingset for a little while.   My how they change in a year!

Hadley and cousin Brenlee had a big time in the rocks.  I'm sure I could find a picture of Beth, Brenlee's mom, and me at this age if I looked back in the archives far enough. 

 There is no shortage of games and activities at Uncle Jerry and Aunt Carrell's, either.  The bigger kids are usually found playing basketball, and volleyball has been played in the front yard for many years.  And then there's an assortment of toddler-sized transportation for our little ones.

My nephew, Levi, had a blast in the cozy coupe.  Bradley and my dad pushed him back and forth for the longest time and he would grin from ear to ear, squealing with delight.

Nothing like a patriotic cake pop to help our sweaty, worn-out girl unwind a bit.

Hadley hitched a ride with cousin Chris on the Kubota.  Who doesn't love off-road vehicles?

"Watch my corn pop up in rows.  Every night be tucked in close to you..."  This Tim McGraw song pretty much sums it up for me.  This is the view directly across the street from my aunt and uncle's house.  Even though our address is now in the city, my husband and I are country folks at heart.  A simpler, slower, more carefree way of life that I will always long for.  Speaking of country, on this day especially, we honor the men and women who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice for us with their lives.  We can never thank them enough!