Memorial Day performance

We didn't have any special plans for Memorial Day weekend.  The weather was pretty nasty and the parade was cancelled.  Luckily, Emily had been planning and practicing a Memorial Day performance.  Tickets cost $2, but she refunded the money later.  She was also collecting money for the coin drive at school to help Oklahoma tornado victims.

Popcorn and lemonade was included in the ticket price and everyone had a gift bag under their seat filled with random art supplies.















Emily read aloud America : A Patriotic Primer by Lynne Cheney.  Then she sang original patriotic lyrics she wrote to go along with familiar tunes using the keyboard for accompaniment.  The selections were "Theme from Star Wars" "Joy to the World" and "I've Been Working on the Railroad."  It was extremely impressive!









Of course, Lincoln had to get in on the action, so he had an impromptu trampoline routine.  Love the classic Lincoln pose!

I'm so glad Emily realizes what Memorial Day is really all about.  She was concerned how we would celebrate if we couldn't go to the cemetery in Hull for the memorial service.  Even though we weren't there in person, our hearts were in LeMars as a flag was dedicated to Austin's Grandpa Lorenzen for his service.  We also want to give a huge shout-out to my Grandpa Vander Kooi, a WWII veteran and former POW.  You are a hero to many generations! (Thanks to Austin's aunt and my sister for the photos.)