Memorial Day Water Battle

Memorial Day was upon us again - Daddy's side of the family came over, and Mommy prepared a feast unlike any other.  Daddy gleefully headed to the grill and cooked hot dogs and hamburgers (a special mix of beef prepared by Mommy!).  Meanwhile, the patriotic decorations went up:  the wreath, the flags, the placemats and more.  We played our patriotic music - some of those Disney CDs from the parks and elsewhere, and got busy getting things ready for family.

Corn, macaroni salad, potato salad, beans, hamburgers, hot dogs - and oh, that lemonade.  Mommy got this lemonade dispenser that looks so great on the counter.  Slices of lemons float at the top, and your mouth starts watering as you get yourself a cup.  But the punch in the punch bowl looks good too.  Hard to decide what to drink!

After the big meal, we sat around and looked through all sorts of awesome pictures from Ireland.  Nana and Ye-Ye had just come back, and were sharing their adventure with all of us.  Meanwhile, the cousins and Madison were playing video games, or running around upstairs.

And after dessert, it was time for the annual tradition:  the Memorial Day Water Battle.  Here's a picture of the gang below.  Don't mess with them.

Daddy was involved a little, however, he did want to snap a few pictures of Madison because she was having such a good time!  Also notice how perfect the weather was outside today.  It was a little warm, which was just right for having a water gun showdown!

Madison was trying out the heavy weaponry.  This picture below shows you how excited and happy she was to have everyone over.  This tub below is the water station, filled with water so that combatants can refill their weaponry.  Madison would fill hers up and unload on everyone - quickly running back while yelling, "Don't shoot at me, I'm refilling!"

Also set up:  the Little Mermaid water slide.  It was fun for the girls for a while on their own.  But during the great battle, it became part of a pirate ship.  Basically, throughout the battle, certain ones were made to "walk the plank."  That basically means they had to go down the waterside, and consequently get soaked.

Poor Ye-Ye.  He didn't plan on getting that wet.  But he - like pretty much everyone else, was made to walk the plank!

Everyone was soaked, but everyone had a great time, especially Madison.  When we said goodbye at the end of the day, it was bittersweet.  We hated to see everyone go, but we were also pretty darn tired. It didn't take too long for Mommy, Madison and Daddy to fall asleep - but we did so with smiles on our faces at the wonderful memories of the day.