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.