We managed to squeeze in some fireworks in the garden between the rain showers. It reminds me of being a child, the smell of the fireworks, damp leaves under foot, writing my name with a sparkler and oohhing at the rainbow shower of colours. Hopefully my children will carry memories forward of this November ritual. No bonfire as we haven't really got the space and I was disorganised this year so no parkin or toffee apples either!
image from here
Sunday was Church Parade for Remembrance Day with all the Beavers and Brownies scrubbed up for the day. The Big Sister was with the Guides at our local church and I went with My Little Helper to a lovely service at a church I've not been to in about 30 years, since I was a Brownie myself. The vicar spoke about courage and the nature of war, appreciating those fighting even if you have doubts about the actual war. All the children were given a red helium filled balloon with a tag attached detailing and commemorating a soldier who has died recently. The Baby Brother and I had Ian Malone who was only 28 when he was killed. I thought of his Mother and squeezed the my little man tightly in my arms, watching his older brother with his fellow Beavers releasing their balloons. So many balloons.