Thimble Thoughts: Memorial Day Weekend

First of all, a BIG THANK YOU to all of our Veterans who have served and are
serving on land, in air, and at sea to fight and protect the freedoms we enjoy
today! We appreciate every single one of you.

I hope y'all had a great Memorial Day weekend. We sure did.

Several of us got together for a trip to Dollywood. Dollywood was good, but the fellowship was the best for me. And the ride up and back was hilarious.

We checked into our hotel, went to lunch at Duff's, and then headed to Dollywood.

How come they don't make these strollers for adults? Bruce and I were wondering.

First stop....carousel! As you can see, Celine loved it.

Pam and Amanda

Bruce and Jordan

Woo Hoo! This was Celine's first time on this big ride. She was a little nervous, but we rode together and she laughed and squealed the whole time.

Bruce and me and Pam rode this disc ride. It wasn't scary, but it was, hmmm.......belly churning. While the disc took you back and forth on the coaster rails, it would spin you around. Some of our group were several rides away and knew where we were from our screams.

The lines weren't too bad. We waited the longest here at the water ride. I took this picture from a small hole in the wall where we were standing in line.

We just can't seem to go anywhere without Bruce getting into trouble. Whatever will I do with him?

Pam and me

Kelly bought some flip flops...several pairs.

Brother Brad killed over when he heard of all the shopping Kelly had done in the park.

Harrison was dirty, so he stopped for a shower.

Harrison rode the Thunderhead Roller coaster with Brother Brad and then he rode it with me later in the day. I was really proud of him, even though it scared him slap to death. I have a picture I'll have to scan for ya. It'll crack....you....up!

We had fun in the park. But all good things come to an end. Before we knew it, it was time to go. When we got back to the hotel we decided to go eat.

Abigale wanted a nap! Look at those sleepy eyes.

Pam waiting by her door until Brother Joel came with an actual working key.

We ate at the Texas Roadhouse. Cameron was lovin' those rolls and butter.

But after a several hour road trip, fun at Dollywood, and getting his little belly filled, the little guy just couldn't make it any longer.

After supper, we went back to the hotel to help Brother Chris celebrate his 30th birthday. He loves golf, so Mander had Mrs. Amy make him this birthday cake. Isn't it great?

He really liked it.

The cake was delish! We had ice cream sandwiches to go with it.

Elizabeth ate her cake and then disappeared. Later we found out she went straight to the room and passed out from exhaustion. It was a long day for the babies. ;)

The little girls were playing ring around the rosie and other games, having a marvelous time.

And some of the kids were swimming.

We had a really good time and enjoyed the fellowship so much.

Sunday morning our Veteran's Memorial Wall was unveiled. It was touching to see the soldiers who have served and are serving now. And yes, I cried when the ushers unveiled it.

Top row, third from left to the end is Bruce's daddy (Navy), Bruce (Air Force), Bruce's brother Mitch (Navy) and Bruce's Uncle Carvel (Navy).

Top row second from left and third from left is my daddy (Air Force) and my brother, John (Navy.) I didn't see my brother Larry's picture up there. He had served in the Army. I'm guessing mom wasn't able to get a picture of him to Brother Cohen, who put the Memorial Wall together.

My sweetie with a few other "front porch boys."

Sunday night we ate El Titanic with the Ross and Rohrer family. I just couldn't resist asking if I could have my picture taken in the restaurant's sombrero.

After dinner, I took "the lady's" home while Bruce and Brother Rohrer took the boys to Wal Mart to pick up some things needed for the Memorial Day picnic we were having Monday with our Sunday school class.

We met at Brother Brian and Mrs. Amy's house Monday afternoon and had a wonderful time. This is Tammy, our Sunday school teacher, cuttin' maters for the burgers.

Mom and dad aren't in our Young Married class, but they're the resident grandparents and parents of everyone in our class, so they came too. Along with their patriotic rocking chairs. They were content to sit and watch us play kick ball.

Content to watch.....until the go-cart was brought out, that is. Mom couldn't wait for Hannah to ride her around the field.

Daddy was next. He was not as enthusiastic as mother, but he got in and made Hannah happy.

Joseph sat in the little tykes car falling asleep. He fought with his brother Isaac for the driver's seat and won. Then decided it was time to just sit and relax.

Maw Maw and Ethan went inside for a cold drink of soda and Enfamil.

Joseph woke up for Bruce to push him up and down the field. Bruce was ready for a nap after that!

Isaac liked the fact that drinks were so easily accessible.

Motorcycles were also on the list of activities, thanks to Brother Todd. Hannah loved it and is now waiting for us to get HER one!

Nicole

Harrison waited patiently for someone to ride him on the go-cart or motorcycle. That's Jamie and Bailey behind him.

Joseph and Alanna managed to persuade Brother Todd into pushing the car around the field for them. See that field?

Little Abigale had a blast riding with her mommy in the go-cart while Cheyenne jumped hills and dodged kick balls, footballs, and softballs. Yep....perfectly safe day!