To Our Veterans: Thank You!

This past week, we had the opportunity and privilege to celebrate Veterans Day in remembrance of all the soldiers who have fought valiantly for our country.  For us.  For our safety and protection.  For our defense of freedoms to worship, bear arms, speak openly, own property, get an education, start businesses, live prosperously.  Freedoms that we would be lost without.  I am so grateful for the incredible sacrifice that so many have made in honor of our great nation and for our benefit.

Pictured above, is my Grandpa, Reid Teeples, who served in the navy during World War II.   We are blessed to live so close to him and for our children to know this great man.  Easton and Grandpa Reid in particular have a very close relationship.  Easton goes over to his house several times a week with my mom as she tends to Krissie.  The two of them eat cereal together, work outside together, and really enjoy each other's company.  We love you, Grandpa!

We also have some other great military veterans in our family:

Ryan's paternal grandfather, Robert Brown

Ryan's maternal grandfather, Merlyn Hawk

Ryan's great uncle, Keith Hawk

Ryan's uncle, Roger Andrus

My uncle, Dale Goodman

My cousins, Dale Goodman, Jr., Mark Goodman, & Matt Goodman

Ryan's cousin, Matt Andrus

(I hope I'm not forgetting any...)

Thanks to all of you for serving us so faithfully! 

When Ryan was back in Ohio last week visiting his Grandma Brown and Great Uncle Dale Anderson, he also visited many other extended family members and did some family history leg work while he was there.  Ryan visited several cemeteries and gathered information on family members who have passed on.  One thing he noted was how many served their country.  As we work on our family history work this year, it will be neat to make a list of all the veterans in our family lines.

Since Ryan is the scoutmaster in our ward, one of the things he does on every patriotic holiday is drive the scouts around to post flags in the neighborhood.   Any one in the neighborhood can participate in the annual scout fund raiser by donating $35 to the scout troop.  In return, they get a flag posted early in the morning and taken down at sundown on 10 holidays throughout the year.  I love driving through our neighborhood and seeing so many flags waving tall and proud.  Easton and went along to help the scouts.  Here he is, posting the flag in our yard with Ryan.  Priceless.

Barrett usually hops in the back of the trailer, too, to ride along and help out where she can.  (I think she likes hanging out with the 12 & 13 year old boys!)  It was a great start to a great Veteran's Day this year!