This past Memorial Day weekend was a lot of "firsts" for us. It was mine and Mari's first Memorial Day together, and although the Lantern Floating ceremony has been around for awhile, it was the first time any of us participated in it. The whole experience was awesome. I can definitely see it as something that our family can continue doing as a tradition, and a fun way to remember our ancestors. It kind of made me sad because half of the people listed on our boat was my immediate family; my mom, my grandma, my grandpa and my dad. But I am lucky that i have my own little family right now who I can share this with so after remembering that, I felt thankful that I could be there with them. It took awhile to get our boat in the water because the ceremony itself was about half an hour, but when it did, not to sound cheesy but it was just amazing. Looking at all the hundreds of other lanterns floating by while the sun was setting, I felt an instant bond with everyone there. We all lost someone we loved, we were all there for the same reasons so that made the ceremony that much more meaningful.
Uncle Ari & Kyan
Kyan enjoying the not-so-high view from Uncle's shoulders
Working out
Holding my fan...it was a hot day!
Uncle Ari is doing something funny
Climbing all by himself
