Memorial Weekend in Iowa

Years ago my Grandpa Reuben started a tradition for our family to visit the cemeteries of relatives that we have lost. This year we visited 4 cemeteries. This picture is the cemetery where my Dad and Grandpa Reuben are buried. It is in rural Iowa surrounded by cornfields, beautiful sunrises and stunning sunsets.

My Aunt Melody and her kids always come with us. My brother in law, Brian, came up with a cemetery scavenger hunt this year. Which was really fun.

It is hard to believe it has been almost 13 years. We miss him every day.

Ken brought his camera with this weekend and took some pictures. I know it isn't Disney World. But these pictures are of my favorite place on earth.

This is the farm that my Grandpa Reuben grew up on. His sister Jeanette still lives here.

This is about how close Rachel and I get to the tractors on the farm. ;)

Ken and I have been so busy the past few months trying to buy a house. It was nice to be able to relax and watch the sunset.

This is my cousin Megan. She was trooper on our picture tour. She kept trying to get me to come close to the cows. I got close enough.

My Uncle Brian has lots of farm equipment. I don't know how the farmers get into them. I was shorter than the tires alone. LOL!

It was a fun weekend! And I know that my Grandpa Reuben would be so proud of us to continue on his tradition. We love you Grandpa! Happy Memorial Day!!

Recipe:

Big Beef and Veggie Burgers

Makes 6 Servings

Points Per Serving: 4

1 lb. lean ground beef

2 medium zucchini, shredded

1 onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons minced dill (I used 2 teaspoons dried.)

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1 jalapeno pepper, deveined and minced

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 small whole wheat pita bread, halved crosswise

1 1/2 cups torn romaine lettuce

2 tomatoes, sliced

Spray the broiler or grill rack with nonstick cooking spray, set aside. Preheat the broiler, or prepare the grill.

In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the beef, zucchini, onion, dill, mustard, jalapeno and black pepper. Form into 6 patties.

Arrange the patties on the rack, broil 5" from the heat 4-5 minutes on each side. Place the hamburgers in each pita and top with the lettuce and tomatoes.

(We used country hearth buns instead of pita and omit the lettuce and tomatoes to make it easier to reheat.)

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