Now What Size Am I?

This kid just cannot be convinced that it is time to start using the potty ... this little routine went on for a good five minutes.

Remembering

Our local park had a temporary 9-11 memorial installed for the 14th anniversary.  Flags were placed around the lake for each of the first responders who died that day.  I remember parts of that day so clearly, and others have been blurred from my memory.  There is no arguing though that it was a pivotal day in our history and the biggest historical moment of my generation. It's not something I've ever talked to the kids about, but having the memorial in town seemed like a good opportunity to teach them about this very sad point in our history.  They listened and had lots of questions and did their best to comprehend what I was saying.  Merrill wasn't so sure she wanted to go to the memorial, but in the end they all decided to go with me.  The girls were very interested in looking at the pictures and reading the names on each flag.  It was a very moving sight.  To make the night even more memorable, Millie was asked to "play" taps by a man who was involved with the installment.  We are living in such a tumultuous time (perhaps all times are tumultuous and we can only know the true weight of them as adults?), but we are so unbelievably lucky that the war zone that was 9-11 is not a daily life experience for us.  I suppose it's not luck at all -- it's thanks to the brave men and women who give their all to protect us.