Memorial Day and other various events

I never know how to feel on Memorial Day.  It used to be a free day from school where we would do fun activities so I always looked forward to it.  Now it's a somber day but also a nice day to remember loved ones.  It's really not about the parties or barbecues or camp-outs.  Jon and I have it easy on Memorial Day because both of our families are buried at the same cemetery.  And, they are right across the street from each so when you pull up and see the Cliffords on the right side, the Halls are just on the left side.  It's always nice to see family and Patrick was extremely excited to be able to hang out with his cousins.  We were able to work it out so both of our families were there around the same time.  I don't think Memorial Day will ever be easy but I do enjoy having an excuse to go see my dad's headstone.

I swear my dad is with my children a lot and the funniest thing happened when we walked up to my dad's headstone.  Aiden has never met my dad but a little while ago he started saying ahhhhboo! to me and it was never anything I did with him.  That was something my dad did all the time with Patrick.  As soon as we walked up to the headstone Aiden got a smile on his face and started saying ahhhhboo! to the headstone.  Multiple experiences have helped me realize that even though my kids don't physically have Grandpa Clifford here, they still feel his influence in their lives.

 I would have loved to see my dad play with these two.   Someday.


I've already posted all of these pictures on social media but since this is the place it really counts I thought I should add them before I forget.

 This mater truck is the greatest.  Aiden is definitely a baby that wants to be outside(all day, every day if he could) and as soon as I open the door he heads straight to Mater.  He ran out so fast I didn't even have time to put on his shoes yet.  Outside with a bottle riding on mater=Aiden's happy place.

Patrick is still my little chef.  Remember the phase where he was obsessed with pots and pans?  It's ok if you don't. ;)  A pot was actually Patrick's comfort object when we were trying to get him to love nursery and once he had his pot, he didn't care if mom and dad were around.  Anyway, I thought the phase was gone but lately every time we cook or bake, Patrick has been there asking if he can help.  He's helped us make cookies at grandma's house and one morning I decided to let him help make the pancakes.  Since Aiden wants to do everything Patrick does, he joined in as well.  I think making pancakes was a highlight in Patrick's month and ever since then he's wanted to break out the spices and stir things up in a pan.

 Patrick woke up from nap time in the middle of me typing this post and once he saw the pictures of himself cooking, he wanted to start making something.  So as I'm typing this, he's mixing fruit snacks and fruit candies in a pan with a spoon.  I would be fine with it if he became a chef and taught me how to cook. ;)
Confession:  I thought I had patience until I had kids and now I feel like I have none.  Even though I post pictures of Patrick cooking and dumping spices on here, it's not an easy thing for me. I have to have a pep talk with myself and tell myself to relax and let Patrick experiment.  After the pancake making party, the kitchen was a mess and had I not mentally prepared myself beforehand, I would have been an angry wreck the whole time.  Just keepin' it real. ;)