Memorial Day

Since moving to DC, I've felt a greater sense of patriotism. For me, it's impossible to be around all of these memorials and reminders of the beginnings of our country without feeling patriotic and grateful for the people who worked so hard for us to live here. I think there are a lot of people that have lived here their whole life that forget that they're so close to these things that people travel here to see. I didn't want to become that way when we moved here, I wanted to keep that patriotic and tourist type feeling as long as I could. I'm glad that after almost 2 years of living here, we do still love to see some of the classic DC sights, and I hope I never stop loving that.

Yesterday, we went to a Memorial Day Parade in DC. Now, since I already talked about patriotism, I should probably be more honest here and just tell you that patriotism was not the only thing driving us to go to the parade. Chris and I both had a day off of work together which really only happens about twice a month, we were excited to get out of the house as a family, and the big pull was that Trace Adkins was in the parade, and Chris is a big fan. (I like him after watching Celebrity Apprentice, but Chris has been a fan of his music for years.) We got our spot on the curb, bought hot dogs (that my husband actually HAGGLED with the vendor to get a bulk deal!) and Logan decided to take a nap.

He woke up just before the parade started, in time to get a flag and start the cheering!

He even got out of the stroller to get closer to the action, and he really enjoyed himself too.

We were having a good time watching all the people come down the street, and then suddenly I started feeling that overwhelming sense of "these people actually fought for my freedom. They put their lives on the line for me to have the life I have." It was a heavy feeling.

When JR Martinez drove by as the Grand Marshall, I couldn't contain myself anymore. I was so overcome with emotion for these men and women that I was actually crying at this point.

 JR is a kind of "famous" war veteran, he's now become a motivational speaker and had a part on the soap opera "All My Children." I saw such a humble sweetness in him just for the couple seconds that I saw him drive past. He kept trying to tell all the spectators that there was a World War II veteran in the front seat of the car he was in, but people just kept yelling for him. He finally made them stop the car and helped the other veteran into the back with him so they could sit on the back of the convertible together. It was maybe a small thing to other people, but I thought in that moment that he was saying that even though he's recognizable and people know him, he's just the same as the other veterans that have and continue to fight for our freedoms.

This experience also reminded me that my own grandpa is a World War II veteran, and deserves my appreciation as much as anyone else. I called him today and had a sweet conversation with him. I hope we all remember what's been done for us to have the freedoms we enjoy and thank those people in any way possible.

On a different note, I have to put up the pictures of the stars we were able to see (who also donate their time and money to supporting causes for war veterans). Joe Mantegna from Criminal Minds (Gary Sinise is in the background, but looking the other way)

 and of COURSE, Trace Adkins!

After the parade, we went to Old Town Alexandria for a jazz festival. It was Logan's first time on the trolley. Obviously he's still trying to take it all in.

We met Paola and Jason Brown and their kids down at the festival and Eva loved making Logan laugh.

All in all, it was an awesome day. I'm glad I have such a great family and that we get to spend some of our days together doing stuff like this. I'm also so grateful for the sacrifices that have been made for me. Thank you to all the people who have put time and effort into helping our country.