MarytheKaytheBlog

BE Somebody's Hero: Be Somebody's "Bubba"

I know I haven't written here in a very long time.  I have to admit--I've missed you guys.  But, it's been a much-needed break.  Life needs to be about the living, not about the blog post pictures and titles.

So, I read something that inspired me.

And it made me smile.

And it made me teary.

Because it's about my family.

It's about the hero of our family...my dad's big brother, my Uncle Berry Lee.  My dad's "Bubba."

I read my dad's words about his Bubba on a day that lots and lots of families in Oklahoma lost loved ones and homes, and experienced moments of terror.  So, probably, I was waxing extra nostalgic about family.

(Okay, this is when you go read it, too.  Go on--go read.  I'll wait on ya!)

My dad's words are especially meaningful because they explain a little bit of why my family is so special:  You see, we had a hero--years and years before I was even born.  Our family owes so much to my Uncle Berry Lee, who gave my dad love, encouragement, and a faith that has saved us.

When I am feeling especially sentimental about family, I sometimes wonder why I get to be blessed with such a wonderful family?  Why did I get loving parents when other kids get abusive parents...or some orphans, who have no one to tell them they're wonderful and loved and wanted?

Why was my family blessed with a rich and grace-filled faith, when others are born into families who don't believe anything...or even worse--believe in a faith that encourages abuse, intimidation, and hatred?

It's not that my big extended family doesn't have problems.  Oh, we've got 'em.  We've pretty much experienced all the icky problems that humans face.  

But, even in the midst of these problems--the anger and resentment and judgment and desperation and sadness--we still have that little voice inside us, that voice that says, "No matter what, my family loves me."

So, why do we get to feel each other's love?  Why do we get to have a loving family, when others do not?  Why did we get a hero?

I don't have the answer.  

BUT, the other day, as I was reading my dad's words, the answer that came to me very clearly was,

"BE somebody's hero.  If you don't have a "Bubba" writing you letters and being your hero--then BE somebody else's hero.  YOU BE THE HERO."

It really doesn't take that much effort to become somebody's hero.  Spend some time.  Speak a few encouraging words.  Tell him the truth.  Tell him he's wonderful and loved and wanted.  Write him a letter.

So, today, these are my words for you:  Please, please--for the sake of our big and disaster-filled world--please BE somebody's hero today.  

And be their hero tomorrow and the day after, too.

You never know how much your encouragement can mean.  Our family has learned how much it can mean...even generation after generation.

Thank you, Uncle Berry Lee.  Thank you.

 

(My mom's family is pretty amazing, too.  I'll tell that story another day:  I'll tell you all about George and Virginia.)

My Baby Girl is a Teenager Today!

Okay, not technically my baby girl...  But, she was my baby girl just 14 years ago.  And, oh, what a sweet and dreamy baby she was.  My little (or not so little!) fuzzy blond-haired baby girl.

Happy 13th birthday, my Becca Boo!  You are a delight, and a treasure to our family!  In honor of your birthday today...

10 Things We LOVE About You:

1.  You have a kind heart, and your smile lights up the room!

2.  You love Jesus, and want to please Him.

3.  You make us laugh every single day.

4.  You care deeply about others, and are always encouraging them.

5.  You love spending time with your grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins.

6.  You have an amazing memory.  Sometimes, it even freaks us out your memory is so good.  

7.  You do GREAT impersonations.  (See #3 above)

8.  You're humble, and you never expect too much.

9.  You have a grateful heart.

10.  You are a wonderful big sister...even when you don't feel like being wonderful.  :-)

    

Happy birthday, our sweet girl!  We love you with all of our hearts, and are GRATEFUL that God chose us to be your parents!

Our Weekend: In Pictures (Presented to you by MarytheKay, who BARELY used her camera all weekend. Lame-o!)

I just love a weekend with family.

This past weekend was everything I love about weekends--laid back, with family (could have been better if EVERYONE was there!!!), happy kids, beautiful weather, some good old fashioned late-night television watching with my sister, and some yummy food.

Well.  I guess I should end this post now.  Because, what else is to tell?  I've already told everything we did this weekend in one simple sentence.

Too bad that I can never be that brief when describing something.  'Cause y'all KNOW I hafta tell more!  

I just cannot help myself.

Let me tell you how we started the weekend.  Better yet--let me SHOW you:

Amen.  And Aaaaaa-men.

A belated birthday cake from the world universe-famous Rick's Bakery in Fayetteville, AR. Okay, who knows if the Martians know about Rick's...  But, in case you guys haven't heard me rave about Rick's amazing baked goods, I'll just tell you--his cakes and cookies are dee-licious!

And, the fact that my cake has fairy sparkles sprinkled on top just makes me h-a-p-p-y!

After over-dosing on sugary birthday cake, the cousins put on their swimsuits quicker than you can say, "DON'T RUN IN THE HOTEL HALLWAY!!! AND QUIT SCREAMING ON THE ELEVATOR!!" and headed to their grandparents' hotel pool for some swim time.  The ladies (my mom, sister, and I) took one for the team and sat in the 100% hot and muggy pool room and chatted happily.

We rounded up the worn out, but still hyper kids and headed to my sister's house for the night.  After finally getting the kids all snuggled into beds, the adults retired to recliners and the cozy couch.  My sister always has great stuff DVR'ed for my visits, and we always look forward to this time of night!  We love to watch and chat, watch and chat, and chat and chat and chat.  Sometimes until 2:30am!!  Yikes.  But, I will admit that a very late night sure makes the next day's afternoon nap on the couches that much sweeter!

You know what else makes an afternoon nap sweeter?  A big ole' slice of Rick's birthday cake right beforehand.  That way, the sugar crash leads you right into naptime.  Per-fection!

On Saturday, there was a little shopping, with a little "WHERE is my wallet???" mixed in at the Justice checkout counter, followed by a little, "Will you please HOLD these things while I go home to retrieve the wallet that SOMEONE took out of my purse this morning?"

Are you detecting any frustration there?  I have no idea why!  Because who wouldn't just love to fight the long line of glazed-eyed parents holding hoochie-mama sparkly sweats and flashdance shirts that their lip glossed daughters have begged them for?

Oh, but wait!  I said this weekend was laid-back.  And it was.  Just a momentary lapse--that a yummy lunch of chicken salad and tortilla soup at Jason's Deli can't take care of.

(See!  I TOLD YOU that I cannot tell a brief description of my weekend!  Next thing you know I'll be telling you WHAT WE ATE.  Oh yeah...just did that!  Check.)

Saturday night was a Moriah Peters and Tenth Avenue North concert.  Dave took Rebecca and her cousin to see Moriah.  If you don't know about Moriah--please check her out!  She is WONDERFUL!!!  She is an up-and-coming Christian singer, who has an AMAZING voice.  

AND an amazingly sweet personality.  She and Rebecca met at a small event last year, and ever since, she has been like a big sister.  She encourages our girls, and even contacts them when she is giving a concert nearby.

This time was no exception to her kindness and encouragement.  She asked our girls to come early Saturday to see her.  Once Rebecca got there, she got to help Moriah set up her merchandise table, and ended up working her table all night long.  

I don't know if you remember being 11 and 12 years old, but getting to work the "Merch Table" at a concert of a singer you love is HUGE!!!!  Rebecca and her cousin came home afterwards just chattering away about the whole evening, telling us every single detail.   Needless to say, they had an unforgettable night!  

Of course, both girls came home with lots of concert goodies.  Here's Rebecca--with her favorite item she brought home from the Merch Table: (No, no...NOT the head with the freakishly long neck!)

During the concert, Sara Beth and her "little brother" cousin chose to stay home.  Us "homies" picked up some pizza and watched a fun movie (Journey to the Center of the Earth).  We all snuggled 4-across on the couch, and giggled together at the funny parts of the movie.

Sunday, we went to church together, and then out to lunch.  (I am going to refrain from telling you what we ate.  You're welcome.)  

I told my sister and brother-in-law that we were giving them a big gift--we were leaving right after lunch so they could get AFTERNOON NAPS.  Nothing says "I love you" like leaving before naptime!

So, that's it.  That's our weekend.  

And my pitiful 4 pictures.

What did you do this past weekend?

Valentine Shmalentine Fi Fie Fo Falentine

Firtht of all, pleath let me thay how thorry I am for being abthent here on the blog.  I just needed to step away for a bit.  (Oh look!  My lisp is suddenly gone!)  Sometimes, life and living just have to take precedence.  I did a little self-care this past week.  And sometimes, that self-care was named:  A bowl of chocolate ice cream while sitting on the couch beside my husband to watch a little American Pickers.  Oh yes--we were living life on the wild side!

Okay, but now back to the regularly scheduled program...  A Valentine's post just for you--because I love ya so dearly and all that other mushy stuff.  I actually wrote this a couple of years ago, but I still mean every stinking word.

Sending you all a long, lingering, awkward Valentine hug today!!!!!  Well...to be completely honest...there are a couple of you scruffy and smelly guys...that I am sending an arm punch.  But, a meaningful one.  I promise.

Remember back in elementary school, when one of the Valentine games every year was to see how many words you can make from the words "Valentines Day?"

I always worked furiously on that game.  Man, I scribbled word after word, amazed at my brilliance.

valiant, Dane, dainty, salve, veal, instead, salient, van, tiny, leaven...

And every stinking time, some kid would beat me.  Usually by 10 words or more.

Those are some mighty groovy pants, girl!  And...a...halter top over a turtleneck??

But, most of my Valentine's memories are really great ones.  Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays...mostly because it comes right after my birthday.  Growing up, our family celebrated holidays in a big way.  My mom was just really great about that.  I'm pretty sure that all of my birthday parties growing up had a heart theme...heart cake, pin the arrow on the heart, pass the heart, heart cups and plates and tablecloth...  There were always Valentine treats on the table for my brother, sister, and me at breakfast.  My dad always sent beautiful flowers to my mom for Valentines.

But, I know that not everyone has a birthday right before Valentine's.  So, I'm sure not everyone has the same fond feelings toward the pink and red holiday.  Maybe even some of you have some sad Valentine's memories... 

Whatever the case, I sure hope that this Valentine's Day you remember the One who loves you most.  The Valentine who never disappoints.  The One who thinks you're beautifully made, and longs for a relationship with you.  The Valentine who created romance, and warm fuzzy feelings, and candlelight, and roses.  The only Valentine who loves you utterly, and completely, and forever.

That kind of love is hard to resist.  When you stop and think about it.

 “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”  (Zephaniah 3:17)                                                   

What do you think about Valentine's Day? 

What are your fun memories?

Friday Flashback: Old Pictures Make Me Sentimental

Today, because I am still hacking up a lung, and because not much exciting happens when you spend an entire week in a sick chair (other than finding a NEW SHOW to watch on Netflix...Scandal!!!), I thought it would be fun to post some old pictures.  

Pay attention...some of you older friends might even see yourselves today!

 

Let's start things off with a bang, shall we?

Oh my.  Is this not the CUTEST Kindergarten class you've EVER seen?  Looking back, I think it is amazing that I continued growing up and going to school with every single person in this picture.  Well, except for sweet Dana Blume, who moved away shortly after this picture.  Can you guess which one is Dana?  I always thought she was SO PRETTY...and I was always jealous of the beauty pageant crowns on her bookshelf.

Can you tell which one is me?  Look for the long-haired version of my Sara Beth...front row, long dress with the white shoes.

Also, one of my BEST FRIENDS through ALL of my growing up years...is Matthew.  Yeah, he's the lady-killer in the Fonzie shirt.  All the girls thought he was SO cool with that shirt, and we'd always get him to act like Fonzie.  I giggle to think...he enjoyed that attention just as much as we enjoyed giving it to him.

And, Mrs. Braswell our teacher?  She was everything you could ever want a Kindergarten teacher to be.  Soft-spoken, loving and kind, creative, and FUN.  

Okay, I'll stop talking about Kindergarten now.  As you can tell, it was a good year for me.  *grin*

 

This next picture is in honor of my little hometown, where they GOT OUT OF SCHOOL this week for SNOW!!!!!  Hooray!!!  Well, not exactly snow.... maybe just the tiniest bit of sleet.  My big sis described it as 1/100th of an inch.  

Oh boy, can I remember the days when we PRAYED for snow...we keep our noses glued to the windows, just BEGGING the snow to come down...  A snow day in my hometown was like a very happy national holiday.  

Needless to say, it did not snow often.

With those dresses and white tights, I suspect this was a Sunday.  I'm sure we couldn't WAIT to get home to sled, make snowmen, and throw snow at each other all afternoon long...or until that sad bit of snow melted.

 

This next picture is in honor of Sara Beth, who JUST THIS WEEK asked me, 

"Mom, what is a station wagon?"

I didn't find that very easy to answer...  Except to say--"It's what our family ALWAYS drove.  The Buick Electra Wagon.  Usually in baby blue."

Is this one a Buick?  I don't really remember this one...I was probably 3 in this picture.

 

My mom doesn't always like when I post pictures of her...But, I've always thought how beautiful she is in this one!  Doesn't she look just like Jackie O?

 

Okay, any Campfire Girls out there?  Did you have this Camp Fire Song Book?  This is the little navy blue song book we always took to Campfire Day Camp at Camp Wotapi.  (Does Camp Wotapi still exist?)  Ah, and Miss Shuff, still leading all her Campfire girls in her 50s and 60s, wearing summery sleeveless camp shirts and knee-length shorts and bright red lipstick, drawn just bigger than her actual lips.  She had the loveliest gravely cigarette-voice Southern drawl.  

Just seeing this book makes me think of the song, "Kookaburra."

Koo-ka-burra sits on an old gum tree...Merry, merry king of the bush is he, Laugh koo-ka-burra, laugh koo-ka-burra, Gay your life must be.  (are you singing along with me??)

 

Ah, and this next picture is in honor of one of my BEST FRIENDS all the way through junior high, high school, and college!!  We actually met on the very first day of 7th grade.  Here we are in our flag corps uniforms. (It was a little windy that day.)  Miss you, Stay-Jack!!!

 

This next (and last) one wasn't that many years ago.  This picture just makes me SMILE...because we were trying so hard to snap a decent family Christmas picture.  We were in FREEZING South Dakota, and my sweet wittle bald baby did not want to smile...  Oh, how I want to rub that little bald head and pinch those wittle cheeks!  (NO!  I am NOT talking about Dave!!!!)  And my darling little blond girl, always grinning and enjoying the fun adventures...

Okay, I'll step off Sentimental Lane now...  Thanks ever so much for indulging me!!

Happy weekend, sweet friends.  If ya need me, I'll be right where I've been all week...sitting in my pitiful sick chair.  

Anybody have more exciting weekend plans than that?

World's Grossest Words

Okay, please bear with me.  Today, I am revealing some of my inner-junior high humor.  I almost said "harness my inner junior high humor."  But "harness" would seem to indicate a seldom-used quality.  Those who know me well, would understand...that my inner junior high humor...is a little too obvious...a little too often.

Over the holidays (Thanksgiving, if you must know), my extended family and I were sitting around discussing words that we just can't stand.  I think the discussion was actually started after a commercial for "Salonpas" came on.

(What in the WORLD were the makers of "Salonpas" thinking when they named their back-soothing product???)

I thought it would be FUN to share these lists with you, and see if any of these words are on your own most hated list.  Don't worry--I have full permission to share my family's lists.  Only...a couple fo them didn't want their names shared.  I will let you guess, though!  And I might even give you a hint or two!

World's Grossest Words...According to my family:

My young nephew

decal, petabolism (rhymes with metabolism...and I'm not real sure what it means)

An older nephew

biology (or "fake science," as he called it!), Walmart (somebody's mama must drag him there too much!!), gasoline, buttermilk, expire

A sibling

Salonpas, pup, dukey, booger, belly  (as you can imagine--these words were repeated FREQUENTLY to her afterwards!)

A sibling

pustule, coagulated, scab (notice a theme here?  Somebody has a fixation with body wound words), boob, fungus, fungi, or any form of "fungus"

Not gonna say

pus, frenzy, aluminum (somebody can't say this word!!!), bunion

Not gonna say

like (the word that he says young people use, like WAY to much), onomatopoeia (oh yeah, I can spell it!) on sale (the words that he says cost him a lot of $$$)

A sibling

salve, bleu cheese (he said with a shivver)

A sibling

panty, sale (again, a word that costs him $$$), LSU

An aunt

The phrase "ain't got done", ain't, thankless, puke, XMas

Can you guess?

No, can't, retail

What words are on YOUR most hated list?

What we've been up to...

 

Top Row - Books I read last week and LOVED!  (DISCLAIMER: This "Shades of Gray" book has NOTHING to do with the racy Shades of Gray books - this is historical fiction about WWII in Russia/Siberia.)

Bottom Row - Books I'll start this week, plus a new daily devotional.

For the last week and a half, we have driven over 1,500 miles, (I) have read 3 novels and cried at some point in each, watched more hours than I care to know on Netflix, have visited both sides of our families, have bought antibiotics for BOTH daughters, wrapped and opened Christmas gifts, and even had to un-wrap a couple of gifts when I completely forgot what was inside, and who they were for!

 Sounds like a busy 10 days, huh?

Oh, but it's been a wonderful, giggle-filled, memory-making, good family visiting, and (unfortunately for the ole' scale) yummy food-filled time!  There were even some snowflakes one day, which made everything even better!

Rebecca's and Sara Beth's sicknesses weren't wonderful.  In fact, both girls have felt down-right miserable.  And, of course they weren't sick at the same time...  We got to spread the respiratory cheer across both weeks, and to both families.  (I sure hope no one gets sick!!)  

A really great part about our wonderful family-filled time, is that we still have a WHOLE WEEK LEFT before jumping back into school and routines!!!  Can I get an "AMEN" from the crowd?

For the next free week ahead, we have discussed some home projects to finish, finishing and sending out the rest of our Christmas cards (I know! I KNOW--Should have already been done!!!)  as well as some day-adventure possibilities or even a fun road-trip!

What have you been up to?

What's on your agenda this week?  (Anybody else sending embarrassingly-late Christmas cards??)

A Family Christmas Tree: Guest Post

I thought it would be fun this week between Christmas and New Year's to do something different.  I have asked a couple of my friends and family members to write a guest post about something holiday-related.  

Today, please welcome my big sister Gina--actually my sister-in-law, whom I love like a big sis!

I love decorating our Christmas trees...yes, trees with an "s"!  I have a snowman themed tree, a thin tree filled with only ornaments that say the word "Joy" on them, and each of my children have a small tree in their rooms.  We even have a Jesse tree, that we add an ornament to each night which goes along with a nightly Christmas devotional reading. 

But, my favorite tree of all is my big family Christmas tree.  It is not adorned with the fabulous big ornaments and large spiky toppers that others are using.  It is a sentimental tree filled with ornaments that represent events in our lives...family vacations, 1st year of school, baby's 1st Christmas and ornaments made by my boys or given to us by loved ones.  One of my favorite additions to the family tree is a collection of photo ornaments of mine and John's grandparents who have gone on to be with the Lord.  I found the ornaments at Hobby Lobby and have seen similar ones every year since I found these.  Since I wanted the ornaments to match, I bought enough for each grandparent, even though my grandmother is still living.  I have enjoyed seeing these ornaments every year and I hope you will be inspired to do the same!

 

What are some of your favorite sentimental decorations?

Celebrating Sara Beth's 8 years!

Please excuse me while I get all sentimental about my baby girl's birthday.  Today marks her--and my own!--8th year of smiles, giggles, snuggles, learning, questioning, being stretched, crying, encouraging, praising, disciplining, and always--ALWAYS praying.

Sweet Sara Beth has been an answer to our prayers.  Another baby girl to complete our little family of 4.  She is the one who introduced that sweet-as-honey word into our family:  Sister.

She has stretched me as a mother in ways I never imagined.  She has made me stronger, and yet more sensitive, and daily keeps me on my toes to be consistent, fair, and with encyclopedic knowledge to answer hundreds of questions.  She has also taught me the important lesson that some battles are not mine to win.  Sometimes, they are not battles at all--rather opportunities for her to stretch her independence, identity, and strength of will.

And she has taught me about love.  It's so easy to love my cuddly, snuggly baby girl!  Our little gift-giver is always watching and listening...for ways to surprise us (folding clothes on our bed when she should be in her own bed, asleep!)...and to pamper us (with spa treatments and back rubs!)...and just always looking for ways to show her overflowing love.

So, happy birthday, sweet girl!  Forever our pun'kin pie and snuggle bug!  Our smart and funny girl who keeps us giggling.

Thanks for being our baby girl.  Thanks for being YOU.

Do you have any fun Sara Beth stories or memories to add?  I'd love for her to read these some day!!  Thanks!!!   *smile*

Our Thanksgiving: In Pictures

I hesitate to post a chipper post about our Thanksgiving, full of happy family pictures...  I know that for some, Thanksgiving this year was especially difficult.  Maybe this was your first holiday without a loved one.  Maybe you couldn't be with family.  Or maybe you are heading into this season of holidays with a heart heavy with stress and fear.

Whatever the case, please know that I prayed for you.  Some of you even by name.  

And even though we did have a wonderful holiday, and a wonderful time with family, pictures do not always tell the entire story.  We've weathered some storms this year, and some of us are heading into the holidays with some stress and uncertainties.

But, the story these pictures DO TELL is a family filled with love--the love of a Heavenly Father.

Circumstances and changes and health are never certain.  But the love and peace of God is what sustains us, and fills our hearts with love for each other, and our bellies with giggles.

Our bellies were also filled with...

Oh, can I get an AMEN??  Hallelujah and pass the gravy!  Oh, how I miss that pea salad!  My sis brought this new recipe to our table this year, and I could DRINK it, it was so yummy.  And speaking of sisters, my little sis made those beautiful fluffy mashed potatoes.  And that turkey and gravy?  My mom used her magical powers, and even a weird-acting oven to make that juicy bird and velvety gravy.

Okay, I need to stop talking about food.  Either that, or I'm going to need a dish of ice cream to console myself.

I wonder how many families this weekend yelled and nagged and fussed to get their kids to smile just right for a Christmas picture?  Oh, did I say yelled?  What I meant to say was "pleasantly asked in a rather loud voice."

All right.  We didn't really yell.  But, maybe one of us did IN HER HEART.

Notice that little guy on the top row?  Yep, he's STILL up to it.  He makes me laugh--a LOT.

Before we move on, may I ask you a question?  Have you EVER seen CUTER kids?

What?  Your own kids?  Whatever.

On Friday, most of the guys headed to Fayetteville (like good Razorback fans) for a football game.  Even the littlest guys got to go this time--and they were SO thrilled!

The ladies did what ladies do...on Black Friday...  We shopped, and had a girly lunch at a tea room.  Perfection!  

Speaking of girly...  Cousin time at Nana and Pops' house would not be complete without a fashion show or two...

Some good old fashioned boy wrestle time.  

 

Some cooking and creating in the kitchen (a YUMMY cheese ball Rebecca created) 

 

Some pup time

 

Some hanging out with Nana and Pops time

  And even some present time for an upcoming birthday!

 

Can we talk about this cute fella for a minute?  I am not sure I've ever met an 8-year-old who has a heart like his for the underprivileged.  For his last birthday, all he wanted--were gifts for shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.  He said he didn't need any more toys, but there were lots of boys and girls around the world who did.  He sure goes to the right church...his home church packed 30,000 shoe boxes for OCC.  

Yes, you heard right--30 THOUSAND.  Can you imagine?  That's a whole lot of smiling children opening presents in far away countries very soon...

  Now, let's talk about this cute fella!  There were quite a few tears as we went around the table Sunday, telling specific reasons we are proud of our Drew, who turns 18 this week.  Drew was the very first baby in our family, and he sure holds a tender place in our hearts.  We reminisced about how we all used to sit around the living room, just watching baby Drew toddle around, being all-around adorable. Today, we sat around a (very  handsome!) man, using words like, "Kind, integrity, leader, compassionate, smart, talented, fair, spends time with the little kids and adults alike..."

Okay, I'll stop.  I guess you can tell we love this boy!  I even gave him a big, juicy smoochie as he left today--my special birthday gift to him.

  As you can tell, all the cousins adore him, too!

 

Know who else I adore?  My big brudder.  He's pretty great.  But, please don't tell him.  I have a naggy-little-sister role to fulfill.  Isn't his wife purdy?  We sure had the BEST time giggling all weekend long.

 

Here's my baby sister.  I sho' love her too!!  She knows I do!  Doesn't she look sass-a-frass in that polka dot sweater and red shirt?  Dang, she's cute.  Too bad I don't look half as cute in my matching sweater. (Mean.)   That cute guy is my ornery brother-in-law.  But, please don't tell him I called him cute.  Lawdy, I'd never hear the end of it!!

 

And the worst part of every great holiday weekend...

Lining up to say goodbyes...

Goodbye, good family.  See y'all in a month!

What were you thankful for this holiday weekend?