Shake It Up

There was an earthquake here today.  Where you ask?  In Virginia.  Not just a tremor, but a full on 5.8 earthquake.  It lasted about a minute.  We are all ok, just a little shaken up (HA!). 

 Chris was already home from school and we were sitting downstairs discussing his day.  At first I thought the shaking was coming from a big truck driving by and then it kept shaking and became more intense.  Chris ran up to grab Hannah from the bed where she was napping.  Luke ran out of his room and shouted, "Is this an earthquake!!!!!"  Hayley was asleep and woke up from the shaking.  She was upset and came downstairs with everyone and we all stood in the door frame.  It shook for about 15 more seconds and then it was over.  I snapped a few shots of some of the pictures in the house afterward.





Thankfully, no one was hurt and we didn't have any damage.  But boy, did it get my heart racing.  That was the last thing I expected on a Tuesday in VA. 

In other news:

I finally finished our family gallery wall in the den. 

I am really happy with how it turned out. 

This baby is going to be 2 in 2.5 months. 

Sigh

The school room is up and ready to go.  Only 2 more weeks and Steele Family school will be in session. 

I have been working on lesson plans for the first few weeks. 

Getting so excited about this new adventure with our kiddos.

I still haven't taken pictures of our bedroom and the guest room.  Our room is currently home to all of our 6 year old's toys from her room.  We are in the middle of a lesson about obedience.  That is a post for another day.  In short, those photos will be up soon.

The First of Many

One of the things I love about my husband is his love of going and doing.  When we move to a new place, he loves to go and explore.  See all the cool stuff there is to do in an area.  Every Saturday we venture out on a new adventure.

This particular Saturday we were actually headed to Mount Vernon, but then we got to 95 N.  It was a parking lot so we derailed those plans and headed to the Marine Corps Museum since it is only about 15 minutes from our house.  Not only was it close, but it is also FREE to get in.  I feel sure that we will be taking all of our visitors over the next year. 

I absolutely LOVED it!  The exhibits were awesome.  I especially loved the part of the museum that talks about Boot Camp.  Classic.  They have two booths set up, one male D.I. and one female D.I. (D. I. = Drill Instructor).  As you step into the booth, the D.I. begins shouting instructions at you.  Luke and Hayley jumped out quicker than I have ever seen them move.  It was hysterical.  Luke then declared that he thought he might go into the Navy because he didn't think they would yell as much.  Ha!

 Walking into the museum.  The outside is supposed to be an artistic replica of Iwo Jima.

Standing by the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor 

Marines through the years...

Marine pilot

Ready to board the bus for Boot Camp.

Hayley is going to get a trim!

Trying the pick up the 70+ pound pack.

Eating in the Chow Hall

Luke's favorite thing.  An Iwo Jima replica made of Legos in the gift shop!



Wrap Up

As always, we had a wonderful time on our trip to GA.  It always goes way too fast.  We are hoping to have some visitors up our way very soon.  Can't wait to hug their necks again.

Here are a few shots from our last few days at Mimi and Papa's

Mimi took Hayley to get her toes painted

Not sure what she was sad about, but it didn't last long.

Our friend the snake that Hayley found in the pool.

Hannah in her great grandmother's chair

Bubble time!



Deep Thoughts by Hannah Beth

Ok.  So maybe not so deep, but definitely thoughts. 

Delany, I see your mama has put your hair in a ponytail.  Been there, done that.  I can show you how to pull that thing out in about 2 seconds, no problem. 

Aunt Ansley, can I see your glasses?  I promise I won't pull the arms off when trying to put them on.

When you start walking, we are gonna have so much FUN!  I can show you how to climb up stairs, into cabinets, and on top of the tables.

No, your mama won't care.  My mom only yells a little when I  get on top of the table.

Pinky swear.  Or index finger swear.

Deep thoughts Part 2:

Papa, you really don't know how to work that toy?  I can show you in a minute. Let me finish watching Elmo.

Just push the button, it's really not that complex.

Yes, then it plays music.

   

No, I don't think Mimi would mind if you took it to dinner with us.  Everyone in the restaurant would love to hear the music I'm sure.

Ok, Papa.  I'll show you one more time.  Push the button right here!