Well, in classic summer fashion, I am once again behind on updating the blog with all the exciting happenings that have taken place the past couple months. But before I can delve into my trips around Europe, to the States and even Mexico, I have to begin with the end of May and our fantastic Memorial Day weekend.
The weekend began with a Fisherman's Friend Strongman Race in Belgium; Jon's second time to participate in one of these insane obstacle-laden running courses. He had a remarkable finish in the top 10 and enjoyed having a buddy there to take part in the fun. It was great for me to have a buddy as well (his wife) to run around the various spectator spots at the different obstacles.
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| His classic pose |
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| Loving the obstacles |
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| Celebrating the Finish |
That Sunday, we once again visited the American Cemetery in the Netherlands for their Memorial Day Ceremony. It was an absolute gorgeous day and it was an incredibly moving event. I feel so honored to be able to attend these ceremonies where Memorial Day holds so much true meaning as we remember all those who sacrificed their lives for our country.
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| The Jons looking quite dapper |
On Memorial Day Monday, Jon and I had a small Memorial Ceremony of our own remembering an American serviceman, Captain Donald Emerson, whose plane crashed down on December 25, 1944 on the outskirts of Sittard. We run by his memorial marker on one of our favorite running routes, now named "the Captain." We salute his picture every time we run past this spot, as an act of remembrance for his sacrifice and life that was ended so far away from his home.
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| Placing flowers and a small flag at Captain Emerson's memorial marker |
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| Captain Emerson's memorial marker |
Later that afternoon, we had a patriotic BBQ at the house, in lieu of the July 4th party we normally have. I was able to bust out my many patriotic decorations one last time as we enjoyed the company of all our wonderful friends and gorgeous weather. Like previous years, the festivities included a small speech by Jon, a kids pinata, and some games for the adults. We will miss hosting these patriotic fests that mean so much living abroad, but are so thankful we've had such wonderful friends and such a party-worthy house to continue this tradition for three years.
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| The grill master at work |
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| The festive inside - everyone contributed with such delicious food! |
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| Jon's Memorial Day speech |
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| The lovely ladies |
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| And some men |
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| Kids picking up the goods from the pinata |
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| Couples water balloon toss |
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| Beth and Jeff - the winners of the water balloon toss and their awesome prize - drinking glasses! |
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