Attempt at a Father's Day Picture

So, I know it was a few weeks ago, but I had to share all the pictures I took attempting to get a photo of Chris and the kiddos.

Hayley was talking to me.  This pic is actually one of the best ones.

Take 2

Cut off Luke's head...oops.

I like this one too!  But two out of four not looking...

I like how Luke changes up the pose every so often. 

So sweet of Daddy with his girls

Hmmmm.  At least they are happy children.

HB spotted the alphabet poster with Elmo on the wall.  So for the next five + minutes we listened to, "ELMO! ELMO! ELMO!"

Where's Chris?  Kinda like where's Waldo?

Losing focus

Really wanting to get to the Elmo poster!

Not sure what is going on....someone is angry, two folks are laughing, and somebody else is blinking.

Love!

Happy Father's Day to the man (and Daddy to our kids) of my dreams!  I love you, Chris.



He's Going To Be 8!

On July 20, he will be 8.  Two years away from double digits.  Unbelievable!  We wanted our little man to be able to celebrate with his best friends before the move, so we planned a sleepover birthday last Friday. We kept everyone busy...

They played Wii

Had Nerf gun battles in the backyard.

Ate pizza and cake!

Played a little more Nerf tag!

Even HB joined in the game

Hayley cheered the boys on during their battle.

Squeezed in a game of volleyball

There was swimming, swimming and swimming. 

A little flashlight tag

And then a movie.  They actually all fell asleep by 10:30pm but were up and ready for the day by 6:00am!  We had donuts and played a little more Wii before everyone went home.

Happy "fake" Birthday, buddy.  We love you!

A Place to Call Home

For the 8 of you who read this here blog, you are probably tired of hearing about our upcoming move.  But this is our life right now.  In fact, every two to three years, we box up and move on to the next shiny new duty station.  And if you all are lucky and stick around another year, you will get to hear about another grand move next summer. 

There are pros and cons to every move. There is excitement about meeting new friends and living close to old friends. The excitement about exploring our new town and finding out what all they have to do there.   But then there are the goodbyes...  I think of all the memories made in this house and the tears just come.  Too many precious memories to even count.  First days of school, first visit from the Tooth Fairy, learning to swim, learning to ride bikes without training wheels, so many best friends, learning to read, welcoming our 3rd little blessing, birthday parties, Christmas with family, the list really could go on and on.  Counting it all up, this move makes number 6 in our almost 12 years of marriage. 

It is always such a wild ride with each move.  Do we live on base or off?  Do we rent or buy?  We have done them all and they are never easy, but each move ALWAYS turns out just as God intended.  And He always picks the perfect spot for us. 

Thankfully God placed the perfect house in our lap at just the right time.  It will suit all of our needs and then some.  And we will only be about 3 miles from these sweet friends.

And only a few more miles to many other dear friends. 

As the saying goes, Home is where the Marine Corps sends us.

Welcome to 1 Saint Johns Court. 

Our new home.

Baby Bear's New Trick

Did I just climb up here by myself?  This is fantastic.  I can sit just like the big kids do.

Look at me Mama!  I did it.  I DID IT!

What's on that side of the sofa?  I think I see something I would like to have...

Yep!  A drink!  Right within arms reach.

(the curls = LOVE them)

Wait.  Maybe I need to put on my shoes.

Nah!  I'll just smile and be cute and maybe Mama won't notice what I am doing.

How in the world do you get this straw out of this cup?? 

Hahahahaha!  She sees me.  I'll just be even cuter and I won't get in trouble.

I've got you wrapped around my finger, Mama!

Yes, you do, Baby Bear.  Yes, you do!

It's Summertime!

First Day of 1st grade

September 7, 2010

Last Day of 1st grade

June 16, 2011

Luke,

We are so proud of all you have accomplished this year.  Winning the Outstanding Reader award, making several new friends, learning to work in a time limit and complete your task, and memorizing the first of many math facts. Your writing is filled with such excitement and detail that it amazes me everyday.  Your knowledge of science and history sometimes exceeds my own.  You have worked so hard and learned so very much. 

Way to go my big 2nd grader. Now, let's enjoy our wonderful summer together and all the adventures that lie ahead!

The Show!

Hayley finished up her 3rd year of dance this past Wednesday.  She loved taking class at the Little Gym and we couldn't have been more pleased with her teachers and the program.  The girls put on a show displaying all the wonderful things they learned this year. 

Fabulous job, Hayley!