Memorial Day Weekend

Every year for Memorial Day weekend we always go to the family cemeteries around Mingo, WV and try to make it to my Dad's cemetery in Eglon, WV to put flowers on the graves. We have done this since I was born and I've never known anything different for Memorial Day.

Dominic had to work so it was just me, mom, and the kids. We left Friday after Lenny was finished with preschool and planned to be in Elkins by 5 p.m. My van had other plans for us! Yep, that's right, it decided that it only wanted to go as far as the very top of Allegheny mountain. Seriously, we were only about 50 feet from the sign that tells you the elevation. And do you know what else that means, there is NO PHONE SERVICE within 20 minutes in each direction. Or anything else for that matter.

Luckily we came across some very friendly people who promised to call my sister when they got somewhere where they could get phone service. We sent Dad's phone number and Kristi's phone number with one person and Kristi's phone number with another person. It was a scary few hours not knowing what in the world we were going to do and not knowing if those people really made the calls and if they got in touch with anyone. And we had three kids in the car. Two little ones who had just recently been potty trained. Thank goodness I brought a little potty, lots of drinks, and lots of snacks. Kristi and Dad's phone numbers were the only numbers of family members that we had. Next time I will travel with Randy and Jason's number too.

To make a long story short, my AWESOME sister was on her way from Morgantown to Elkins when she got the call. She made a few calls and got in touch with her best friend's brother's son's mom's mom and dad who live in Elkins. Yeah, figure that one out. That's my sister for ya. She has got our back. The dad came to our rescue and took us all to Elkins. I was worried because there aren't too many cars that you can fit three car seats in the back seat of. I ended up riding on the floor of the backseat. I got a little car sick but I was so happy to be going to Elkins. Kristi then got in touch with a tow company that towed the car.

Well, you know nothing is open on Memorial Day weekend. Dominic came to pick us up on Sunday to take us home. Ernie came to pick mom up on Monday and took her to the cemeteries since we didn't get a chance to go because we were figuring out what to do about the car and a trip home.

Just a quick word about the man that came to our rescue. He was so very very nice and helpful. He was calm and had an answer for everything. I'm a freak when something like that happens. I worry about every little thing especially with the kids with us. He was even so kind as to call the next day to check on us. He then called Tuesday to make sure that someone was able to look at our car for us. You seriously do find the nicest most sincere people in WV. That's why that is where my heart will always belong!

So my car was not even looked at until Tuesday. Turns out we need a new transmission. We are hoping to drive back this Tuesday to pick it up. That weekend trip got very expensive.

Thank goodness my sister has a van and we were also able to use Dad's car so that we could go to our Uncle Randy and Aunt Bonnie's house for dinner Saturday. We were making sure that we wouldn't miss that annual event. We always have a great time!

Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Sitting on top of Allegheny Mountain waiting for a rescue.


Saturday morning Anthony-Glen was making Lenny and Nathan crack up. They were giggling for a long time. It was very cute. I don't know what he was doing that was so funny but they loved it.


We all had a good time at the park. Here is my adorable nephew.


Nathan being silly and wearing that Cars hat that goes everywhere with him.


My sweet Bo Benny.


Brooke could not wait to see Aleah.


My cousin Jason has the cutest little girl, Autumn. We all couldn't wait to see her. She has already won some pageants. Here she is with Mom.

And with Brooke.


Isn't she cute?

Kiania found a frog. The kids were having a blast watching it jump around.


You know Lenny had to hold it. Frogs are his favorite after all.


Brooke and Nathan.


All weekend, Brooke and Nathan kept crawling into Kristi's dog's crate. They loved it. I managed to get a picture of Brooke in there.


We still had a great time even though it started out kind of rough. We had a nice trip back with Dominic too. And I'm so glad that at least mom was able to go to the cemeteries. We'll try it again next year.


From the Mouth of a Five Year Old

One morning Brooke and Nathan were giving hugs and everyone had to get in on it. Lenny smiled and said, "This is the house of loveness--because we all love each other".