Memorable Memorial

One of many things true-blooded Americans look forward to is their three-day weekends. That one extra day off is reason in and of itself to celebrate. The secret to a successful long weekend is taking time to plan ahead. In my earlier married years, too many long weekends were spent wondering what to do. At the last-minute we would throw together a picnic and run to a park only to discover there was no room left for even a blanket. The drive home from the park with a car full of disappointed kids is a long one. I have made it more times than I care to admit.

Not this year, this year I have a plan! Saturday the family and I will be visiting the cemeteries to pay are respects to loved ones past and beat the Monday crowds. Saturday night will be the night for a picnic. Arrive early and don’t forget the frisbee. I’ll be enjoying our beautiful state and my family in a park up Provo canyon near Bridal Veil Falls. Sunday will be a day to relax with family, attend church services and rest up for Monday. Monday begins at 8:00 sharp at the local IHOP for some breakfast grub then a short drive to Fort Douglas Cemetery. Soldiers will put on a Memorial March. Afterward, several television personalities and Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, will address the crowd. The ceremony will close with a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps." What a great way for the kids to learn respect and appreciation for our solders. After the ceremony we head down to Pioneer Park to support the Salt Lake City Mission with their effort to provide food and other necessary items for the homeless. We will be donating some clothes we no longer need and enjoy some free food. What a great experience for the kids to learn charity and acceptance. After eating we head to Gardner Village drop the girls off for their memorial weekend sidewalk sale. The boys and I hit the golf course for some fun in the sun. After chasing lost balls and explaining to my boys it’s not okay to swear even if dad did, we pick up the girls grab a quick bite then off to the Hale Center Theater to watch Seussical the Musical; an enchanting musical romp through Seuss's beloved, whimsical stories and inspiring imagination told through the eyes of his unforgettable, quirky, and, ultimately, loveable characters (get your tickets early if you want join us).

That is how the Spanos’s will be spending their Memorial Day weekend. With the help of SlickTown and some planning we look forward to an eventful, long, successful weekend.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your weekend,

Nate