Over Memorial Day weekend, we went up to a cemetery in the mountains where many of Clint's relatives are buried. His family has a tradition of clearing the grave sites of any debris and adding new flowers to decorate them each year. Everyone gathers to remember and tell stories to be passed down through future generations. It was a beautiful piece of history to be a part of.
Many people came to decorate their families' graves over Memorial Day weekend. There were many more smiles and hugs than tears that day.
The boys and Sophie hard at work
Sophie really wanted to make sure she did her part to help make each tombstone pretty. She even put a few extra flowers at some of the stones that no one had come to care for. This is the first time that she can remember being at a cemetery. We had many great discussions about death, but also about the beautiful life that awaits us in Heaven when we pass over from this earth. I'm so glad she was able to be a part of this day. Death is one of those things that we want to shelter or protect our kids from, but it is one of life's realities. And even though Sophie was a little sad at times, I am so glad she experienced this so that she is a little better prepared when someone she loves passes on. 
Some of the family visiting with each other
The brothers - Chad, Kenneth, and Clint
Sophie, me, Elizabeth, and Clint with his parents, Helen and Arlin
Uncle Alphie told us that Walter and Clara's name was spelled wrong on this tombstone and they were not able to get it fixed so it stayed spelled that way and now there is a whole line of Holsteds spelled with an 'o' instead of an 'a'.
The complete decoration
This is the oldest Halsted/Holsted in this cemetery. There are other theories or disputes over the spelling of the Halsted's last name, but they can all be traced back to the same family lines.
He fought in the civil war and probably died in the war which ended the same year as his death. We would like to do some research and find out more about Clint's family.
We both love history!
After the visit to the cemetery, we headed to Grandma's house to spend some time with family there...
The road to Grandma's house. She lives on 200 acres in the Ozark mountains
...simply beautiful!
Grandma's house
Checking out the views
Best buds :)
The cows
Grandpa's old workshop and tractor
The chicken coop
Sophie striking a pose in front of Grandma's house
Gathering on the front porch
Clint and Elizabeth with Grandma Lillie Marie
4 generations - Clint, Grandma, Mom (Helen), and baby Elizabeth
Grandma, Helen, Evelyn, and Elizabeth - a mom with two of her 8 children and one of her many, many grandchildren
another view
Clint took Sophie off-roading in the Jeep on Grandma's property. I guess she picked that leaf off a tree branch that they passed...hope it's not poisonous :)
Daddy and "Ellie Rose" (her southern name given to her by Great Aunt Evelyn)
Sophie and Elizabeth playing with a few of their cousins - Chord, Noah, and Vivian
The big kids built a fort around Elizabeth, but she knocked it down!
Vivian and Elizabeth just relaxin'
The new trick...pulling up on things and standing! Life just got a little more worrisome and busy for mama since I am now following miss Elizabeth around everywhere to make sure she does not bump her head on something!
Look how happy she is! She likes her new view!
She's growing up so fast!
We had a great time in Arkansas. We were so busy! When all of the kids got together I was so focused on being a mom that I forgot to take pictures half the time, but we have lots of memories of the trip. We already miss everyone!
