Remembering Those That Served

Memorial Day evening we drove to Georgia's National Cemetery to honor those that served.  The cemetery just opened a few months ago and it's on a beautiful piece of property.  It's at the top of a hill, along a part of Lake Allatoona, overlooking the mountains.  Brad and I remember going to this property a few  years back wondering what they were going to put there.  What a gorgeous piece of land to honor our soldiers!

This was the road going into the cemetery - lined with flags on both sides - really sharp. 

Once we arrived at the top of the property, it was actually really sad because there were several plots of land already "reserved" where future soldiers will be laid to rest.  Just seeing the flat, open green space, knowing that some day, that open space will be filled with headstones, really feels you with pride to be an American and makes you appreciate the sacrifice of our military.

One of the memorial sections

God Bless the USA!

Memorial Day Fun

Happy Memorial Day!  Brad and I first want to thank all our military men and women for serving our country and allowing us the freedoms we have.  Thank you so much!  We especially want to thank my dad, both our grandfathers and uncles for their service to our country - we love you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Today, we took Parker to our local  park that's about 10 minutes from our house.  We have been frequent visitors of this park lately (we usually go about 2-3 times a week).  It is the best park ever!  It has so much for the kids to do and it's just perfect for Parker.  He usually lasts about an hour, and that's about all you can stand in the heat (and we are going in the morning)!

We have a whole "workout" routine when we go - hah!  We start at the little kids play area and climb the stairs.

 

Then, some sprints - hah! 

Some sliding

More stairs

Parker needed a little coaxing from Dad to go down the tube slide - hah!

But, still not quite sure - hah!  Finally, he did it though.

Then, it's off to the bigger kid play area where he gets to do "big boy" things!

Swinging in the big boy swing!

Water break!

Learning how to drive - hah!

Parker loved this little narrow bridge - he went back and forth several times!

We made our way over to the swinging bridge.  Parker wasn't a fan at first, but after some fun "acting" by Brad and myself, he warmed up to it!

The big boy curvy slide - Parker was very cautious, but Dad talked to him and they decided they would go down together!

We had a fun day at the park!  For lunch we ate at Zaxby's, which is my 3rd favorite restaurant (after Chick-fil-A and Moe's).  They had a buy one/get one meal deal, so we were able to eat for cheap!  We came home and Parker got a good bath - he was so sweaty - ugh!  He took a long nap and I'm making bbq for dinner tonight.  We had a great family day and we appreciate our military! 

Happy Little Guy

Today I had the worst headache and didn't feel good at all.  My sweet little guy was the best ever!  He would come over to me and lay his head on my shoulder and give me the sweetest smile and hug!  It really made me feel a little better!

Later, Parker was watching his reading video and every time the "cat" came on, he just thought it was the funniest thing.  He would just giggle and there is nothing better than hearing that!



Chillin' and Grillin'

Ok, I am finally back to the blogging world.  I didn't realize it has been 2 weeks since I've blogged - wow!  Parker caught a stomach bug from school and both Brad and I got sick from it.  Luckily, Parker's and Brad's lasted only about 1/2 day, but unfortunately, mine took almost 3 or 4 days to get over.  It was rough!

The past few weeks, Brad and I have been focused on finishing up school.  May is such a busy time with school and work, but that will end this Friday - yay!  We are both definitely looking forward to the summer and our time off!

So, what have the Kleeman's been up to???  Well, it's been extremely hot here the past few days, so I had our pool all set up from a few days before, so Parker and I tried it out this afternoon.  We waited until the sun was not directly on us so we could enjoy our pool time.  Parker cried for the first few seconds when he got in, but I had several toys, so we played and I think that took his mind off it.  I really don't know what it is, but he just doesn't seem like a big fan of the water!  We did have a good time together and I'm just going to keep trying a little bit at a time. 

After playing in the water for a while, I stripped Parker down and wrapped him in his towel.  He sat in the chair and watched while Brad and I scooped out the water from the pool and watered our bushes, trees and shrubs (aren't we such good conservationists)!  Hah!

Well, Parker thought that was the funniest thing ever!  He would giggle so hard every time Brad dumped the water out of the bucket.  Then, Brad started making these funny noises when he was dumping the water out and Parker would giggle even harder - it was hilarious and I got it on video!

Here's a little clip of Parker giggling at Brad

After chillin in the pool, Brad grilled hamburgers for dinner.  We just got Parker his own grill, so he tried his "grillin" hand at burgers too.  He was pretty fascinated with it for a few minutes.  I think it's a pretty neat little toy!  I look forward to some yummy burgers and hot dogs from Parker over the next few months - hah!

Mother's Day Part 2

I had a wonderful Mother's Day.  We went to church Sunday morning, then we came home and I made pancakes and sausage for my boys.  It was actually a lot of fun and the food must have been good because they ate everything - hah!

The rest of the day we chilled out and did absolutely nothing - it was so nice!  Brad even took Parker outside for a while, so I could have some quiet time and I was able to take 2 short naps during the day.  I haven't done that in a long time!

For dinner, we ate at Olive Garden.  Oh my, it was so tasty!  I think I could just sit there and eat their salad all day long!  It was crowded, but luckily we got seated in about 20 minutes.  Thank goodness because Parker had just about reached his limit - hah!

Brad and Parker got these pretty tulips for me, along with this "coupon" Parker colored. :)

I had gotten this "coupon" book the other day when we went to Carter's.  Parker colored all the pages for me on Mother's Day - I think he did a very good job.  He even made some dots on the paper!

At school, Parker made this for me.  I think I'm going to have to get a bigger box to keep all his sweet things he makes for me! :)

May 2010 - 2nd Mother's Day - Parker at 20 months

May 2009 - 1st Mother's Day - Parker was 8 months old!

I want to wish my mom, my mother-in-law, my sister and sister-in-law, and all my wonderful mommy friends a very Happy Mother's Day!  I am so blessed to have great family and friends who are wonderful moms that I can learn from and look up to!

Mother's Day Part 1

Parker made this for me at school last week - so sweet!  It's his little fingerprints for the grape bunch - I love it!  It's hanging on our fridge, along with 2 other fabulous coloring pictures he did - hah!

Saturday, Parker and I met my mom in Calhoun.  We shopped a little at the outlets, then ate lunch at Cracker Barrel.  Parker's favorite activity of the day was lunch!

Happy Mother's Day Mom and thanks for lunch - we enjoyed spending some time with you!

For dinner Saturday, we grilled chicken and corn - it was yummy!  Then, as MY treat . . . I made chocolate covered strawberries!!!  This was my Mother's Day gift to myself.  I have to pace myself with these or I would eat them all in about 10 minutes!