Memorial Day 2011

Some super heroes wear capes around their necks.
Others wear dog tags.

We know this day is not just about the BBQs and the beach. It is acknowledging those who serve and have served our country and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I woke up this morning and decided to go over to Arlington Cemetery. I wanted to just walk around, think a bit, take some pictures and say thank you. Seeing all of Arlington, stretching as far as the eye can see, is always so humbling. It makes me so grateful for all those who have served. For my husband, his grandfather, my grandfather, all the terrific men and women who were willing to lay their lives down for their country.

It is no surprise it was packed today. People all across the metro station from end to end three rows thick, a line of traffic all the way across the bridge. Of course when I arrive they aren't letting anyone in! It was so packed! So I am standing on the sidewalk waiting and waiting... twenty or so minutes go by and then a motorcade comes through. I have lived in DC five years and this is the closest I have been to the President. Yes it was the president's motorcade. He was on my side too and I saw him waving as everyone cheered. Pretty cool sight to see.

Then I was able to go in and walk around. It was soooooo hot and I was pretty gross real fast, but I did a lot of walking. There were a lot of people there in uniform, some in dress others in cammies, some with wives or girlfriends, others with families. I saw one man with his four children walking around and I could not resist taking a picture of them as they walked. Seeing military families just always gets to me, I cannot help it. I avoided the Visitor's Center since it was packed, but I wish I had gone in. They had roses to take and you could put them anywhere you wanted, I just didn't realize it until I was too far away. I went up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the ampitheatre before heading back to the metro and home. Here are some pictures I took.




































Happy Memorial Day... and thank you (and all you know) for your service.


I was also very blessed to see my mom, dad and Stefan tonight for dinner. Having family around always makes me happy. And this is my 400th post... wow.

Snake on a ... Wall??

Last night Ryan went shooting with one of our neighbors. When he and Mike got back Mike's wife Courtney came out with their son Liam and we all sat outside enjoying the beautiful evening and a beer. I was sitting on a blanket with Courtney when we notice the guys are staring up at a second story window on the side of the building.

We asked them what they were looking at and they quickly said, "Nothing nothing." So Courtney and I get curious and may have even yelled at them slightly, asking if they were being perverted. They said they weren't. I got up and walked around the tree and looked up and saw this....



And looking closer... a snake!



I ran in and got my camera to get this better look. From afar snakes don't bother me. I am waaaay more afraid of bees/wasps/hornets/stinging things/jellyfish than I am of snakes.




He was really long!!!! The guys thought it was a King Snake but now they are not so sure....



Ryan took this one, he was proud of the curl it had going!



Now this is why they are unsure... the colors on the bottom. We thought King Snakes were all black but maybe not?



He was crawling around in the grout of the brick!



Even in a stair case pattern!!!!!



Courtney wasn't too happy it was coming back down.



Ryan went closer and got these. Snakes don't really bother me, but I am not about to walk right up to it and flash a bright light in its eyes!! My husband can do that.



Worked well though, the snake was quite photogenic! Especially considering some guy walked by and asked us if it was our pet. Why in the world would we have a pet snake that we let loose on the building?!



Still, how often do you get a shot like that?

I guess that is what we get for living so close to the river! I can tell you this though.... our windows will be closed for awhile. I am ok with it outside, but if it got in the apartment I wouldn't be so calm!!!

Ryan is working late (hooray parades) and I am going to hang out with my friend (and bridesmaid) Cat. It has been way too long since we have hung out! Then Ryan heads to SC tomorrow. I'll miss the bugger! Its been ages since I've had to deal with him not being around. Not complaining at all, I know a long weekend is nothing, but it will be weird not having him around! The past year we really haven't encountered that and I got pretty spoiled. I got to get used to it. School is approaching and he will be off to school 3,000 miles away for six months. Then I know deployments will follow. Back to the grind indeed....

Thursday Song Link Up

I have heard this song a LOT this week, and it always makes me a little teary! Ever since the first time I heard it I thought it was terrific, but it has been playing on the radio almost every time I've gotten in the car this week. So here you go...



Join in the fun with Goodnight Moon.

More to come later!

Semi Wordless Wednesday: Re-entlistment Edition

Follow the saga here.

I am SO SO proud of my husband. He is officially in the USMC for the next 5 years (as he is going career anyway he opted for the extra year) and will eventually be off to school. He is doing a lat move to Radio/Communications so we are looking at school (*sadface*) once everything is processed. About six months long. I will be holding down the fort here in Alexandria until we PCS. After having Ryan all to myself for a whole, uninterupted year I got so spoiled. It will be a hard transition being apart (school is in 29 Stumps Palms in California) but we can do it!

Here are some pictures of the big day. The ceremony was held on the parade deck, you can see the Commadant of the Marine Corps house in the background, and I got a nice bit of shade to watch in. All of his guys were there, plus the Major did the actual re-enlisting. Big honor! (Especially since is the same Major that three years ago NJP'ed Ryan...then promoted him... then re-enlisted him!) Congratulations Ryan! I am so proud of you. I love you!











"I, Ryan's full name, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
















Tonight a few friends are coming over for a bbq in the park with some steaks. Should be fun!