Swimming in the Rain

Rain never stops us. We love rain! The boys & the neighborhood boys ran, stomped, chased & then decided to swim in the rain today! It may seem strange to some, we're not too concerned with that. We just love to have fun! Rain is fun...you get wet when you bath, swim, or shower anyway; why not just play in it? So instead of thinking a rainy day is a dreary day, just know that it can be a great day if you'll just open up, let loose, & have fun!

Legos

Clay has decided that he now wants to do Legos. His friend, Josh, has legos & he's played with him so obviously he wants to start collecting too. We set out today to find a certain lego set that he's researched on the Lego site on the internet. Wow...Legos are expensive. But he had points from reading books during the summer so I obliged. I talked to him greatly about the fact that the picture on the box is not what is inside the box. They are all little bitty pieces that must be put together to create what's inside. He claims he understands...so we purchased the Star Wars set that includes 437 pieces of little Legos that when put together properly create a Star Wars ship with several characters. Currently they are at the dining room table putting the 437 pieces together. Perhaps I can share a picture once it's completed. We'll see how it goes...until then, I hope I don't step on one of those pieces!

Rain

Rain, Listen.
Clapping Hands, Running Feet,
Listen.
Hear the roar, Soothing sounds,
Rain.
Waves of noise.
Thunder answers.
Louder, louder.
Clapping.
Rain,
Answers the questions in a loud voice,
in a soft whisper,
in a soothing lullaby.
Rain.
~ST

McIntosh Reunion

Today we made a quick trip to Harrisburg, AR, to attend the McIntosh Reunion. This reunion has been held in July for as long as I can remember. Fortunately now and for the past several years, it's held indoors in the air conditioning. We are a pretty smart bunch...LOL. This reunion is for my Grandpa Mac's family. My grandfather & all of his siblings have passed on, but all of the children & their children get together for this time to eat & catch up. We missed those who couldn't make it, but hopefully they will be able to attend next year!

My Aunt Linda couldn't make it this year but I took a picture of the McIntosh kids minus her. We joked that we could photo shop her in. We always miss Aunt B of course. One of the cousins told me...oh I remember you, you were Betty's favorite; she took you everywhere. I definitely loved Aunt B, & we certainly miss her & can't wait to see her with Grandma & Grandpa in Heaven.

Sunset

You will show me the path of life;
in Your presence is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Ps 16:11

Officer McIntosh

I was sent this photo the other day. The date is unknown, but it is one of my Grandpa Mac talking to some men in Marvell while on duty. Grandpa Mac died in 1978 so this is one way before then. I thought it was a neat photo so wanted to share.

Civil War in the Delta

Saturday we attended the Civil War Celebration in Helena . We toured a few homes, watched canon demonstrations, & listened to some interesting stories. The Battle of Helena was a land battle fought on July 4, 1863. This battle secured eastern AR for the Union and became a base for the campaign to seize Little Rock later in the year. We visited the Confederate Cemetery where as recently as 2002 remains of unknown soldiers were discovered on Battery D in town. The funny bit of trivia that we discovered was one that all Arkansans can totally relate to during July. The Union soldiers dubbed Helena "Hell in Arkansas" due to the heat & humidity. I laughed out loud at that...can't we all relate.
We also visited the Delta Cultural Center & was reminded of the famous blues singers & musicians that came out of this area. We also discovered our blues names. Clay is Cripple Bones Franklin. We had lots of fun, remembering, & spending the day together.

Family Fun

Last weekend we met some of my family in Marvell & Memphis to spend a day at Graceland & playing around. My aunt created an Elvis display for my mom, who has always loved Elvis, before we got there. So we all admired all of the Elvis goodies when we arrived. We had such fun looking at all of the Elvis stuff during the day at Graceland.
I learned lots of things about Elvis during the visit. As a teenager my mom would save her lunch money to buy an Elvis poster for her room. It was fun for her to get to explore all of the "stuff". Clay has developed an admiration for the King of Rock n Roll. He's listening to his music & trying to dance like him...it's really funny. I was amazed by all that he'd accomplished & how altruistic he was. I didn't realize that he'd recorded over 600 songs & starred in over 30 movies. Since I was a young child in 1977, I suppose that he seemed much older than 42 when he died. He was very young; it's amazing that he did accomplish so much in such a short career. We definitely enjoyed the day & had a blast with family.

Splish Splash

The boys were swimming today. Graeson came over to play a while. He was scared at first to jump in the pool, but soon was leaping in. Chandler was extremely helpful in taking care of the little guy.

Panama City

Our week in Panama City Beach was great. We spent time on the beach & at the ball park. The boys were able to ride bikes in the resort area. The area was gated & they had lots of trails to ride on. It was like we used to ride bikes when we were kids...no worries...etc. They had the best time. Clay said...'mom, we looked like a bicycle gang'. They had a blast.
Chandler played very well during the tournament. He pitched a shutout the game he pitched and hit the winning run in during another game. This was our final tournament of the year. I feel fall ball somewhere in our future, but we will have a break for a week or two anyway!

Happy 4th of July!

We spent this Friday night at the Travs game. We've not been able to attend in a while due to other commitments, but thought we'd make a day of it. The game was a close one & went to 12 innings, with the Rockhounds beating the Travs 6-5. Afterwards there was a great fireworks display! We took some shots with our phones...not the greatest, but a memory none-the-less. We leave tomorrow for Panama City Beach. Chandler is playing in a tournament down there. We generally spend the 4th eating bar-b-q with my parents & shooting fireworks at their house. The boys are upset that we won't get to continue with our traditions this year, but I've tried to encourage them, that we'll get to see fireworks on the beach. They're just wanting to go shoot fireworks at Munner's. It's the simple things in life that matter the most. The things that give us memories, family, friends, and shared love & the good times.

We pray that everyone has a great 4th. Remember our Independence. Remember those who've fought for our freedom. Thank God for our freedom. Thank God for our Independence. And most importantly....Remember that it was for freedom that Christ has set us free. God Bless You & God Bless America!