I love Memorial Day. It’s the unofficial start of the BBQ season. Memorial Day basically says, “Yes, it’s ok to do nothing, until the day after Labor Day, except eat MEAT that’s been carefully grilled.”

There’s a smell that comes from cooking on a grill that you just can’t replicate in the kitchen. It’s almost primal in nature. Like moths to a flame, the smell draws people in and once they’ve arrived you’ll see smiles all around.

We didn’t host Memorial Day this year. We picked up the brats and let Cheryl’s parents do the cooking. If you ask me, that’s a smart move, since that means they’ll be doing the clean up as well

Cora was too young (just over a month old) to really enjoy Memorial Day last year, but we made up for it this year. Check out the photos covering her 2nd Memorial Day experience.

Cora Shopping At Target (Day Before Memorial Day)

A Wise Selection; Johnsonville Brats

Clearly Those Brats Are Hers

No Seriously, Those Are Her Brats

As a Matter of Fact, Let Me Try to Eat Them Now

Love My iPod; Thanks For Reminding Me

Indeed It IS Time For Brats

We’ll Boil Them in Beer First…

…Then We’ll Grill Them

Almost Done

Now, That’s What I’m Talking About

Cora’s Ready to Eat

We Gave Her a Tiny Taste; Now Using Sign Language She’s Saying “More”

Yes, Chow Down

All in all a great day. In addition to cooking and eating, we made time to visit the park, where Cora enjoyed the swing, throwing the baseball, and the slides. Pictures of those activities can be found here.