Last Boat Ride

Andy had sold his boat before we arrived, but the sale came with a "mother-in-law" clause that made it so the new owner didn't take possession until after Andy took me for a ride!  I loved it!

Grandpa and I                                    Josh and Grandpa

Jake did most the driving, but Andy was on stand by.

Karrie and Hanna joined us, too.

Andy cast the net to show me how he net fishes.  All he caught today was a bunch of tiny jelly fish.

This was all that was left of a good sized boat.  It tells a scary story and Andy said it would be costly for them to have it removed from its resting site.

This is our mini-reunion group shot!

Mini-Reunion in Mississippi (Veteran's cemetery)

On Memorial Day we visited a veteran's cemetery because we have no family buried in Mississippi.

It turned out to be an excellent choice.
Nathan is standing in front a tree with character!

Coins were left at some of the graves.  Uncle Jake explained their significance to us.

These coins have meaning when left on the headstones of those who gave their life while serving in America's military. They hold a message for the deceased soldier’s family.  A penny means that you made a visit.  A nickel indicates that you and the deceased trained at boot camp together.  A dime means you served with him in some capacity. A quarter tells the family that you were with the soldier when he was killed. 

Shirleys knew one veteran buried there.  His wife is a  member of the ward.  He was cremated so he had a place in the section of those who did the same.

Colton makes Jake's hat look good!

Hanna, Josh, Andy. Grandpa and Me.

Hanna and I needed a nap later in the day. 

Mini-reunion in Mississippi (Sunrise bridge walk)

One was the items on the "Shirley Bucket list" before leaving Mississippi was a sunrise walk on a nearby Ocean Springs Bridge. It is about 1 1/2 mile bridge. We all stumbled out of bed and made it for that amazing event. It was well worth it!

A mosaic captured the thrill of that moment.

Bradley and I just before sunrise.  Daniel at on of the 1/10 mile markers.

Sunrise on the bridge!

Each 1/10th mile marker featured a common animal.

Here we are walking under the bridge just as a train came by.

These feature Josh and some of the tile work mosaic near the end of the bridge.

Mini-reunion in Mississippi (After we arrived)

Jake, Malea, Colton and Gil drove in from Texas so we could see them for a few days.  I was so grateful for their planning and effort.

 The first order of business was to meet the two new babies: Gil and Hanna and have Nathan read me a book.  He is an amazing reader for a recent Kindergarten graduate.

Hanna, Me and Gil! Love at first sight for me!

 We flew in on a Saturday, so Church was first main event.

This is a gang in front of the church in Mississippi.

Hanna and Uncle Jake

Do you like the tie Rorie picked for her dad?

The Shirley's had sold their piano by the time we arrived, so we had a private concert at church following the block. 

Eliza lost a tooth while we were there.  She was eating chocolate!

A "selfie" with Bradley.

Colton provided the afternoon entertainment.

This game is called: Anki Overdrive! I was not good at it.:(

The whole day was exhausting to Gil.

We were there as Daniel advanced from the cubscouts to the 11 year old scouts.

Cub Scout

11 year old scout.

We are suspecting that Bradley will really grow while the family is in England.  We documented his size at departure and will growth pictures each time we see him. 

This is us on the way to the airport in the Shirley's super-sized van.

Saying good-bye was extra hard.  Josh was certain he needed to come home with us.  He said, "I'd do really good with Hans."  I think we all felt the weight of the coming move to England at that moment.

The Activities of our visit have their own posts.