Veterans Day 2014

First off I want to start this post off saying,
Happy Veterans Day!
For those of you who are currently serving and others who have served in years past. To the families; wives, husbands, parents and children. Your service and your sacrifice is appreciated. 
Thank you!
Saturday was Joplin's Annual Veterans Day Parade, or what I like to refer to as home school social studies 101! We have recently dove head first into learning about American history. Our flag, our songs, our freedoms. What a perfect time to talk about Veterans Day.  It was also a great way to support and honor our veterans.

We headed down town to meet up with our friends. I laughed so hard at the girls "patiently" waiting on the arrival of their friends.
So BORED!

Boredom didn't last long. Our friends arrived and the parade soon began. 

The Boy Scouts were handing out little flags, the kids were thrilled to have their very own. 

We watched, waved our flags and picked up more candy than I imagined possible. 

Seriously, it was insane. My pocket were stuffed leaving me looking like I had a lovely beer gut, HA!

Candy in your hood, why not! Crazy, just plain crazy. All we needed was tons more candy a week after Halloween. 

But, we sure did have a blast!

And what would be an outing with "the crew" if we didn't stop to take a group photo.

Make sure you don't miss a chance today, or any day, to say thank you to those who give so much for our country. 
Happy Veterans Day!

Fall Bucket List: Maple Leaf Festival

Saturday morning we woke up early and headed to Carthage for the 48th Annual Maple Leaf Festival. Maple Leaf is a HUGE tradition in this neck of the woods and embarrassingly enough I have never been to the Maple Leaf Parade. The local channels always air it on T.V. so I have never felt the need to freeze.... until this year. 

Carthage is small town about 30 minutes north that is know for it's beautiful old homes and amazing fall colors. Sadly the leaves weren't impressive this year. I was really hoping to get some great fall color pictures.

It was about 43 degrees that morning so we bundled up and walked to the parade route.

After we finally found a seat, we settled in and waited. 

So funny seeing her looking like an eskimo in October. But it was cold and I'm just glad to get one more years for her to wear this ridiculously cute vest.  

Even Mom and Dad were bundled up. Actually I was the only one that was complaining about how cold I was. I am always cold. 

Marissa found this leaf and insisted that we bring it home with us. 

The next 1.5 hours were spent watching bands, floats, picking up candy and repeatedly asking if they could eat the candy.

Oh and snuggling with daddy. 

Next year I think we might just stay home and watch it on T.V. like usual but it was fun to spend the morning together. I seldom regret doing things like this as a family.

Linking up with

Courtney

Stephanie

Fall Festival, check!

Have you attended a fall festival this year?