European Vacation, Windmills (Netherlands)

After walking around and exploring Brussels we drove to the Netherlands where we would be staying with our friends Ken and Tammy and their children.  Their little town was beautiful and scenic.  And... they had a WINDMILL!!  It's true, they really have them there!  :) ha  After a shower and a brief nap we went out for a little stroll around their house.  Here are the photos from that excursion.  

European Vacation Day 1 Brussels

Early in June Ike had to travel to Europe for work so I tagged along for 5 days.  Here are pictures from our very first day in Brussels.  We had not showered and had been awake for... a long time.  We had a really great time, just the 2 of us.  We drank lots of cappuccinos and stayed up too late.  It was a wonderful trip.  More pics to come.  

Memorial Day at Arlington

Ike has made a point every Memorial Day to take the kids to one of the national cemeteries and teach them about what the holiday is all about.  Since we are back in the area, we were excited to be able to go to Arlington this year.  We got to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier just in time for the "Changing of the Guard. " 

Mason's End of Year Program

"Goodbye Song"

Mason is a super shy little guy.  He has refused to go on stage more times than I can count.  That's why this video brings tears to my eyes.  I was so proud of him for participating.  He has grown so much in the last year.  You can see in the video he gets shy and smiles a little bit but then he gets back to the song.  I LOVE to watch this.  It has been a very special year.  Not always easy, but very rewarding at the end.  I love you my big boy.  I'm so proud of you!!!

Red

Julianna "surprised me" with tickets to see Taylor Swift with her for Mother's Day.  We had the best time together.  It was a great concert and although it was super late she was a real trooper.  I had to laugh when a little girl (probably 13 years old) asked "Is this her first time?"  I was thinking "Of course, she's 6!!!!"  Then when I looked around there were so many little girls there I realized that question wasn't as silly as I originally thought. I look forward to many more Mother/Daughter concerts together. I hope our taste in music stays the same for a while.  :)