(un)Labor Day

What is Labor Day anyway? I just read an article on pbs.org about it's history and I'm still befuddled. From what I gathered there was serious restlessness in the labor movement around the 1890's due to an economic depression. Grover Cleveland, who was up for re-election, had gotten himself mixed up in a large labor strike, calling out the national guard to break it up and unfortunately it became violent and even a few people died. From pbs, "In an attempt to appease the nation's workers, Labor Day {was} born." President Cleveland rushed a bill through congress (6 days) and viola, Labor Day. Too bad Grover Cleveland lost the election anyway. And too bad we are still celebrating something that was a total political maneuver has very little relevance in today's world.

It's not that I don't love the day off. As you will see by the following photos, we certainly aren't about to take a principled stand against the 'holiday.' But I just wonder if it isn't time we retire the old politics and commemorate something more meaningful and significant to Americans today. Just for starters, how about 9/11?

So anyways.....

We had a great Labor Day. Upon the recommendation of a friend we tested the cold waters at Beaver Creek. Sadly, my camera's battery died before I could document any of the real action like the kids 'cliff jumping' from 4 foot red-rock ledges or #2 accidentally mortally wounding the poor lizard he caught. But I did catch a few gems, taken after the kids had totally soaked through their regular clothes and before they had gotten their swimsuits wet.





And what would a family outing be if it didn't end on a high note like discovering a flat tire and then having your cheap jack break?

But really it did end on a high note. #2, who has been distressed and saddened by his involvement in the lizard homicide, prayed tonight that, "the little lizard can find his mommy and get a kiss." awwww.