DeCap Family

Photographing::12::December

2011-12-14T00:10:00.000-09:00

Day 12

Boots

This is so much more than just a picture of boots as these boots have only been back in the house for a day! Happily I can say my husband is now home from deployment. We did it! And to be by the Christmas tree just makes it all that much more important. Of all the important events, milestones and holidays having missed our soldier with a happy heart I can say that Christmas is still not one of them. The only thing that could be better than having our soldier home for Christmas would be to have all the men and women of the armed forces home with their loved ones this year...

{EMiLY}

Photographing::7:8:9:10:11::December

2011-12-11T12:36:00.001-09:00

Day 7

Favorite Ornament

{my son's first ornament given to him by a family member, i smile every year hanging it because of what it represents}

Day 8

Free Day:

{brrr...some big alaskan icicles}

Day 9

Christmas Light-Lookin'

{town square in eagle river, ak}

Day 10

Shopping

{any guesses on what the little man is getting for christmas?}

Day 11
Kissing Under Mistletoe

{last year at the denver, co zoo}

{EMiLY}

Honoring December 7th

2011-12-07T19:00:00.001-09:00

It's one of those things...for a while its very fresh and very important to everyone. Then it dies down and it seems like so many forget, but the reminders keep coming back. Its been 70 years since the attack at Pearl Harbor and September marked 10 years for the attack on New York City and Washington, D.C.

"fears of Japanese saboteurs in the USA were "greatly exaggerated and led to one of the most egregious violations of civil liberties in our history."..."in the wake of 9/11, with similar fears of domestic terrorism, we have a new appreciation of the difficulty of balancing legitimate security interests with unfounded fears."

{source}

My husband deployed for the first time a few short years after 9/11 when the war began, then again in 2006. At the time there were still so many flags, banners, yellow ribbons and awareness of the war and support for the troops. He made it home safely and we began our "real" life and our family to continue for the three years to follow his return. He worked a "safe" job, with his unit being meddac. I say "safe" because for us, or me anyway, it was easy to forget what was still happening. The war was still going on, but pushed to the back of my mind most days. Quite a few of the guys he had been deployed with the first two times had gone to Afghanistan...and then one day it hit me like a slap in the face. My husband got a phone call that something had happened and a few of those "brothers" we're in rough shape. Just because its not my soldier doesn't mean its not someone else's.Again, in 2010, another call that resulted in my husband escorting a fallen brother to Arlington National Cemetery and assisting in laying him to rest. It is always so much a reminder that the war is still very much alive and so many were still fighting back against what had happened that September day.

"9/11 pushed us further down a road we'd been on, as an international superpower, ever since Pearl Harbor."

As I drove to work this morning, I saw many flags at half-mast and I was reminded that every year on this day we still remember what happened at Pearl Harbor in 1941. It seems that so often and so easily that once the initial shock is gone and the waving flags can only be seen on certain days of remembrance. Same is true for the disappearance of the yellow ribbons on the trees and the magnets on the vehicles the longer this war goes on.

Support the troops is an action, not a slogan...An action that should still be seen more often. As another deployment comes to an end for my family I'm thankful to have my soldier returning home to us safely. I also burst with pride at the newest "notch on his belt" that is the successful completion of his third deployment and the sacrifices he's made along the way.

In 2008, this soldier and I visited Hawaii with Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial at the top of our to-do list. Even almost seventy years later, and I'm sure still to this day, the memorial is a somber place. Majority of the people there are very respectful and I spent my time there in awe. Just as we will never forget what happened on December 7, 1941 we will never forget what happened on September 11, 2001. It's just one of those things...

For me, I can also tell you the exact day that I had my husband in my arms again after so many very long months when he returned home the last time...and I don't see this time being any different. Remembrance, just like celebrating every year the day someone was born, isn't only about remembering times of sorrow but also of times we're overjoyed and filled with pride. May we always remember, some gave all and all gave some...and some still continue to.

I'll be back tomorrow with today's Photographing December...

{EMiLY}

Photographing::6::December

2011-12-05T23:44:00.001-09:00

Day 6

StarbucksCoffee Cup

{B}

{EMiLY}

Photographing::5::December

2011-12-05T23:32:00.001-09:00

Day 5

Pajamas

{i'll sneak in a cuddle with this little man any chance i can get}

To catchup and see the first four days, go here.

{EMiLY}

PhOtOgRaPhInG dEcEmBeR

2011-12-04T17:09:00.001-09:00

Today i came across this wonderful little read of a blog by Julianna Morlet and foundher Photographing December List:

{http://juliannamorlet.blogspot.com/}

i do think i’ll join in. Aiden is feeling better,he’s napping and i’m taking advantage.

it seemslike i always come across things like this way after the fact, but this time i’mnot that far behind. i know i can catch up…but can i keep up? We’ll see…

Days:1::2::3

SettingUp Christmas

{Picking out the perfect tree}

ANativity Scene

Scarves

{This scarf was a Christmas present last year from one of the best friends a girl could ask for & i still love it}

::Today::
Day 4

YourChristmas Tree

{EMiLY}

Roller Derby, Hockey and Golf...Oh My!

2011-12-02T22:19:00.001-09:00

Is this what its come to? Asick, sleepy little child to get me to slow down enough to sit and write apost? Its rare anymore that Aiden naps when he's home with me. I’m not quitesure yet what nasty little bug has invaded the little man, but it is just that.Nasty. And this comes after I was laid up earlier this week from falling atwork. Yep, just like on the cartoons when they slip on a banana peel and bothfeet come up and they land right on their butt! It's always said that"bad" or unfortunate things happen in three's...well I'm thinkinggetting my car stuck in a ditch in the snow, the fall and now this, puts me atmy limit! Not to mention these are just the major things I've dealt withlately...not to mention the rest. Ever heard the saying "Hug a MilitaryWife...or Buy Her Alcohol"? Well...it seems extremely fitting right now!I'll gladly take either one! Things haven't been all crap-tastic lately though,we've had some fun too!

I got out one night with some friends to a women's roller derby. Ihad never been to one and it was an experience! I didnt completely understandthe scoring system either, but it was fun. The company I work for is oneof the sponsors and we had a table right at the edge of the rink.

{two of my co-workers and very good friends here...the other took thepic}

A couple times my boss has given me some Alaska Aces hockey tickets andI decided that I'd try to take Aiden to a game. I used to love hockey,still do enjoy watching it very much but Adam's not a fan. So I wasn'tsure what Aiden was going to think, but I went knowing that if it was a totaldisaster we would just leave and maybe try again some other time. Atfirst he didn't know what to think about all the noise when a goal was scored,but then he got the hang of what was going on and would throw his hands up likeeveryone else! It made me happy to see him enjoy it as much as I do. We satright on the glass and he stood most of the time so he could see the action, hewas great about backing up when he thought they'd hit the glass. He hadso much fun...two periods were plenty for him though. The third was justtoo much so we did leave early, but he's been talking about it and asking to goback to another game ever since.

{i'm not sure what was going on, but clearly aiden and boomer areon the same page!}

{celebrating an aces goal}

There's a new place in town called Putters Wild, which is an indoor 3Dblacklight mini golf place! So.Much.Fun. We got a coupon at the last Aces gamewe went to and I knew we'd have to go try it out. All 18 holes was a bit muchfor Aiden, but we will be going back. Golfing with an orange or a redball makes it so much more challenging since the ball looks like its about aninch off the ground! Aiden wasn't a big fan of wearing his 3D glasses, butafter stumbling around on the first few holes it was probably safer that wayanyway!

Hopefully we’llbe back to 100% health and having fun again, just in time for our soldier to behome. We couldn’t ask for much more thisChristmas than to be together as a family. I’m certain God will not give me more than I can handle…althoughsometimes I question why he thinks I can handle all that I do?! Everyday, eventhe less than ideal ones, are a gift and not a given. Happy Holidays :)

{EMiLY}

Thoughts

2011-11-13T10:56:00.001-09:00

In our home, we believe in God. In our home, it goes a little like this...

"I've been to church

I've read the book

I know he's here

But I don't look

Near as often as I should

Yeah, I know I should

His fingerprints are everywhere"

God is capable of the most amazing and unimaginable things so how is it that he allows evil to bring destruction and loss into our lives? Why does he not protect us from all evil acts? I pray often, but I do it privately which sometimes leads me to wonder "Am I doing this right? It doesn't seem like its working!" Then I remind myself that sometimes the unanswered prayers are just as important as the answered ones. Can it be that in the midst of something evil goodness fights to prevail? Is it really possible that something evil can end up being good?

I've read that "God uses Satan to refine the faithful. We all have the devil's disease." Many times when we are hurt or offended, we find ourselves categorizing those who have made us feel that way as "indebted" to us. Shouldn't that person owe me something, like an apology? Or an explanation? To deal with these debts is often at the heart of your own happiness. I've also read that "the issue is not the existence of the pain; the issue is the treatment of the pain."

Settling the score, or getting even, doesn't even bring happiness. It often brings more pain. No matter how justified you may feel in your quest for vengeance, you may never feel your debts are paid. So then how is it possible that something good could come from all this evil? Possibly its these difficulties, conflicts and evil diseases that are voices of encouragement. If God brings it to us, he also brings us through it and its said that he will never give us more than we can handle. So this is where I am lately, searching for the sunshine through the storm clouds. Focusing on what good may come instead of playing the lonely bounty hunter out trying to settle debts.

"Jesus does not question the reality of your wounds.

He does not doubt that you have been sinned against.

The issue is not the existence of the pain;

The issue is the treatment of the pain."

{A friend introduced me to this place last month and even just looking at the pictures I took there that day, I stop and take a deep breath}

Happy Sunday! May you find joy and inspiration in something or someone today!

{EMiLY}

Its beginning to look a lot like...

2011-11-08T12:59:00.005-09:00

Fall? No, Winter? Already?

Yes! Snow started showing up on the mountains in September around here and before I knew it I was out clearing the driveway of the fluffy white stuff! Welcome to fall in Alaska!

{October 26}

When I posted the picture above on facebook, a friend responded with "Snow on pumpkins, its just not right!" and for anyone who has never lived in a place like this, it just does not seem right! It shouldn't happen! This will be our second winter here and I am still adjusting. To me fall means, warm sunshine during the day and cool weather at night. Windows open, hoodies, bonfires, the pumpkin patch and crunchy leaves. This year I've been wearing hoodies throughout the year, we had to go to the Fall Fest and "pumpkin patch" in September, the windows have been closed up since labor day and the trees were bare by mid-Ocotber with snow to soon cover all the leaves that had fallen.

Growing up in a place where we only "visited" snow from time to time, I do not know the excitement of being a child and wanting to go out and play in the snow. But that doesn't mean I want to deny my child of that now. Even thought he sometimes doesn't want to be out long, to me its worth the time it takes to get all bundled up just to get him out in the fresh air exploring for a little while. Alaska really can be a miserable place if you choose to stay trapped in the house just because of the snow, and that's not what I want for my family. I know its going to be a loooong winter, but I refuse to make it seem any longer that it will already be.

{October 30}

So, this is where we are...a little buried, but still alive! Right now as I type, the sun is high over the mountains making the snow sparkle and coming in the windows creating a few shadows and for that I'm smiling. I am home with my son today and we may just go out and explore in the snow for a while today. Why not have a reason to come in and need warmed up with a cup of hot chocolate!

{November 8}

And, as always, I'm not just being buried by the snow...Aiden, my job, and a new endeavor are all keeping me really busy! And I have also taken a couple nights for my self recently and gone out with friends. One night to a hockey game and another night to a women's roller derby! We are still trying to stay busy as redeployment approaches, which will of course also be another busy time as we focus on reuniting our little family!

{EMiLY}

DeCap ReCap2

2011-09-20T00:01:00.001-08:00

Here’sanother look back at the last few months around here…

InMay. Aiden and I went to Sesame Street Live put on by the USO especially formilitary kids. We were in the second rowand for most of the show Aiden was right up at the stage…he doesn’t really everwatch Sesame Street, but he does know who Elmo is and he loved it!

Asif we didn’t have enough going on in the last year already, Aiden alsounderwent a major surgery. Afternumerous bouts of sicknesses and being diagnosed with sleep apnea and reactiveairway disease, the tonsils and adenoids finally came out. In true Aiden style he caused a little trouble but handled the wholeprocess exceptionally well with his only major complaint being he couldn’t getout of bed because there was an IV in his foot! And now, what a relief to have a healthy boy who is growing anddeveloping without restriction!

Westarted getting a little bit more daylight, about 7 mins a day, back in May aswell…It was difficult to getused to at first but once we did it was amazing!

Here’s9:30p.m.…

10:30p.m.…

And 11:15p.m.…

Whenall the snow finally melted, these showed up in the yard over by the shed…

Alongwith some other signs of Spring!

Much Love~

{and prayers tonight for a sick family member}

...Em...

Three is Tough

2011-09-14T22:39:00.001-08:00

Ya Gotta Be T O U G H To Be Three!

T H R E E

2011-09-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

We’ve just begun the journey of the fourth yearof Aiden’s life. Yes, believe it or not today is the third anniversary of thebirth of our s o n. And what awonderful, crazy, patience testing journey it’s been so far.

The day we met...

After Aiden's tonsil andadenoidectomy, I began seeing major improvements. He now speaks andsleeps much, much better. He is holding steady with his weight and hisimmune system is much stronger than ever before. He will see thepediatrician on Wednesday and I am hopeful that they will throw out thereactive airway disease for good. We are also very close to the pottytrained achievement award! Everyday I have so many reasons to be proud of him.

In the three short years of thislittle guy’s life, he has endured a major cross country move and deployment,along with some other major events. But he handles them all sowonderfully, he always has had an easy temperament which we are so gratefulfor.

YearOne

YearTwo

YearThree

Aidencurrently loves:

Rodeoand lassos

Dinosaurs

NickJr.

Macaroni& Cheese and Chicken Nuggets

Thepark down the street from our house

Yellow

RedRobin

Sleepingin Mommy's bed while Daddy's away

Doing things himself and helping

We already celebrated with a couplepresents and lunch at Red Robin, but Aiden will also be taking treats to schooltoday.

HAPPYB I R T H D A Y AIDEN

Mommyand Daddy L o v e You

DeCap ReCap 1

2011-09-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

Living in Alaska has been so different from other places we’ve lived. We were told of things that would happen and Itucked them away in my mind "for later" but then all of a suddenthey've happened and now we’re heading back into winter like when we first arrivedhere! We really tried to enjoy as much of the extra daylight and the sunthat we’ve had, on the few days it wasn't raining! Despite the differences (and all the longing for hot, humid days this summer) I have to keep remindingmyself that this Alaskan experience isn't forever. As much as I'm ready to be back in the lower48 (where summer actually feels like summer!) there are some things that Ialready know will be missed.

Here's a first look back at the last couple months...

chatting with daddy…

sending packages to daddy…

easter fun…

the arrival of “daddy bunny”…

daddy’s birthday picture and treat jars…

mother’s day flowers…

and of course, the moose who spent the day in our backyard…

DeCap ReCap

2011-09-03T00:08:00.000-08:00

MayI introduce to you, the DeCap ReCap Series…

Icould come up with a whoooole lot of excuses and reasons for why I haven’t beenblogging, but none of them really matter. I just haven’t. I don’t typically do a whole lot ofbroadcasting that the hubs has been deployed and for most of you that readthis, you already know the details.

yes, its blurry...

it was the best i could do while trying to hold myself together as i watched my son running to his daddy after being away from him for 6 mo.

Butthis week during our little family get-away the hubs noted that he checks ourblog all the time and finds that I don’t keep up on it…a little heartbreakingknowing that he checks in on us and finds nothing new? Yes. I do updatefacebook and we are so very lucky this time around for him to have a prettyreliable internet and to have almost daily skype communications but I do enjoyblogging and I wish I could keep up with it better. So that’s the plan, along with all the otherplans I have, to get caught up on this Alaskan Spring and Summer’s happenings…and to stay caught up.Luckily, I’ve had good intentions all along and I have plenty of pictures toshare. So although the task of gettingthem all posted seems daunting I not only want, but need to get it done!

Andhere we all are, after so many months apart…

Alittle sneak peak of that little family get-away I already mentioned!

MuchLove…

Em & The Boys

Independence Day

2011-07-04T17:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday America!

Birthday Wishes

2011-06-23T23:22:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE SUPER COOL

NEPHEW AND COUSIN!

Hope your day was extra special Bug!

We miss you and love you lots! Good luck to you and your team at the state baseball tournament. We are excited for you!

Love,

Uncle Adam, Aunt Em, and Aidey Boy!

P.S. More from me soon...I hope! :)

Is anyone there?

2011-05-17T19:45:00.000-08:00

Is there anyone there? Is there anyone still checking in on us? If you are...hi! and yes, I'm still here too. If you're wondering...Life happened. That's all! :)

I've been getting some pictures ready to share so they'll be here soon if you haven't already seen most of them on facebook! Today I've gotten a bit lost though...

I'm not one of those people who usually gets lost in a good book, although every once in a while I find one I can't put down, I can more often be found wandering around the internet somewhere. I have a few favorite blogs I follow and like to catch up on regularly but sometimes I come across something new and I get lost exploring it for awhile. Today I stumbled upon Pinterest and I'm wondering how I never knew of it?!? I spent ~~some,~~ ok most, of the little man's nap time enjoying this new place!

Today I also got lost, or caught up rather, with our tv and internet issues. What's more frustrating than having them is that no one knows why we're having them, where they're coming from, or how to fix them! I guess if all else fails, we'll be moving again in 3 years and that will surely fix the problem! Right?

Even after that, I still had time to get lost in making a batch of these with my favorite little helper...

And tackled a little of this...

I think I really needed a day that didn't require a whole lot from me. I feel like we should be completely adjusted to all of the changes we've recently been though, but I also think that by the time we are adjusted something else will come along that will require our patience, strength and adaptability. Tomorrow we'll be trying to get back on track (since after Aiden's surgery) and going back to daycare and work part time for the rest of the week. Aiden's in the tub now and I love to hear him splash and play and be silly...but what I love even more is holding him all cocooned up in a towel when he's finished. So I'm off...

Until next time...Much love!

{Emily}

M.I.A. & Spring?

2011-03-20T20:20:00.003-08:00

If it seems that I've been a little M.I.A. lately, please let me explain...

Aiden is into everything!! Needless to say, I’ve been one busy mommy left to “do it all” lately. I started my new job this week as well and that makes for a much longer day than we’re used to. I am liking it though and Im already looking forward to May when my hours will be reduced and we can spend some time enjoying the great Alaskan outdoors. Aiden seems to be liking his daycare, the other morning when I dropped him off he gave me a kiss and a hug and then pointed to me as he ran off to play and said “You, go!” So off I went a little broken hearted, but so very glad that my son has not only adjusted to moving across the country but also having his dad being gone for so long and now me going back to work. He is more amazing than I ever could have dreamed he would be.

And just like that all of a sudden, today is the first day of Spring! It seems that the breakup season has already (unusually) started here, it doesn't technically start until the end of April, but I will take what I can get! The breakup means that one day there’s still lots of snow on the ground, which is gray because its been there so long, and its still very cold. The next day there’s lots of puddles and road spray because the sun is out longer and the snow begins melting fast. There is some more snow in tonight's forecast but today was one one of the nicest days since moving here and Aiden and I took advantage of it by doing a little sledding. Although sledding doesn’t really seem like a Spring activity, in the winter it is much too cold to be out sledding for an afternoon. So we’ve been waiting and today it was almost 40 degrees and sunny! The snow was still sled-able since the air is so dry here quite a bit of the snow stays powdery versus melting and re-freezing and getting hard like in the midwest! Even our Lilly girl joined in on the fun today.

And last but not least, we wished Aunt Jessica a Happy Birthday this week! We already sent hugs...but here’s a few more (((HUGS)))! So glad your special day was so special. (P.S. Claire told me the other day that you had TWO cakes!) Love ya! Miss ya!

{Emily}

Life: Unedited

2011-03-13T23:12:00.002-08:00

All of these photos were taken recently and came straight out of the camera this way. No editing has been done to them! If nothing else yet, Alaska has been a beautiful place to see.

I've seen many pictures of Alaska and have been in awe of the beauty they posses but there is nothing like seeing it in person. I was also able to see the aurora borealis or the northern lights for the first time the other night as well. However, I was unable to get even a decent picture of them. Absolutely amazing! I never thought I would call a place like this home!

{Emily}

Birthday Wishes

2011-02-20T14:09:00.000-09:00

Today is this special lady’s birthday! A few years ago I found a great friend in an unexpected place at an unexpected time and I have been so blessed that she has unexpectedly stuck around!! Happy Birthday Linds, missing you more than usual today! Maybe in a "few" more years we'll be old ladies gossiping over coffee and racing each other through the nursing home causing trouble!

Friendship isn't about being inseparable, it's about being separated and nothing changes. It's a promise made by the heart. Silent. Unwritten. Unbreakable by distance. Unchangeable by time.

From all of us today, We hope your day is special!

This Week at Home

2011-02-13T19:46:00.002-09:00

This week at home...

...it snowed some more.

...someone tried out preschool for the first time.

...someone also spent a couple days in bed with a yucky bug.

(that was probably brought home from preschool!)

...we added some Valentines cheer to the house!

...we were thought of.

...and we enjoyed our time together while also trying to take care of ourselves.

(and indulging in a few squares of dark chocolate!)

{Emily}

Calm before the Storm

2011-02-11T22:56:00.001-09:00

As I write, the house is quiet, but not too quiet. It’s that just right kind of quiet, you know? It's Friday night and Aiden is already in his jammies, hanging out on the couch with his dad having a pb&j. I’m in the other room and although the tv is on, all I can seem to hear coming from the living room is the sweet sound of a father and son. A week has now gone by since the news. Last time I wrote, everything seemed to be falling into place just the way it should, everything was just right. The last week has brought many prayers, tears shed and extra hugs. Such is the life of a military wife as she prepares her family for deployment. Last time around, it was just the hubs and I and we had months to prepare. This time, it came short notice and unexpected...along with the fact that the littlest member of the house has no idea whats about to rock his world. As if in the last two months haven’t brought enough change to our life, we must now endure this. It's moments like this, on nights like this, that will soon be missed tremendously. One of the most important things I learned though the last deployment was that trying to find something, anything, no matter how big or small, that is positive really helps to keep me going. It’s so easy to be angry and distant right before a separation but so much more important to truly enjoy the time you have with your loved one. An unfortunate truth is that it could be the last. And I don’t just say that as an Army wife who sends her husband off to war. I also say it as a mother who gets in a vehicle everyday with her child and a daughter who no longer lives near her parents. Our time on this earth is not a given, its a blessing. A blessing that can be gone just.like.that. Hate is easy, love takes courage. Loving my husband and continuously striving to have a successful marriage is by far one of the most courageous things I have ever attempted! Also at the top of that list is parenthood. I’m thinking that my new motto should be “You can’t scare me, I’m a toddler’s mom and a Soldier’s wife!” As funny as it might be, the truth is I do get scared. But maybe that’s what helps me to keep the faith. A little at a time, when I seem need it the most my faith grows stronger. Some days will be better than others in the coming months and although there may be a storm in the forecast, today was a good day. A calm day. A blessed day. A happy day. And as the storm approaches, we will continue to take each day one at a time until the storm passes.

Happy moments, praise God.

Difficult moments, seek God.

Quiet moments, worship God.

Painful moments, trust God.

Every moment, Thank God.

{Emily}

Birthday Wishes

2011-02-02T16:12:00.001-09:00

Today we send a Big Happy Birthday to Collin, our very energetic, funny nephew! Unbelievably enough, he turned four today.

Collin we miss you and hope you’re having a splendid “snowed in” kind of birthday!

And while we’re sending out birthday wishes...I must add that even though I didn’t post due to traveling, unpacking and lack of internet we did not forget about a few other special people who celebrated their birthday recently too!

One of our other nephews, Carter just turned another year older! He is quite the creative Lego Architect! Happy Birthday Carterman! I hope you know we were thinking of you on your special day. Big Hugs!

Also, the hubby’s favorite brother celebrated his birthday...

So, Happy Birthday cool Uncle “Tonkey”!!

Last but not least, Aiden’s Gigi had a birthday as well. There are so many birthdays and day-to-day things we miss out on having to live away. But to all of you, we send our love and big birthday hugs. And we think of you often, not just on your Birthdays.

Lots of love-

{Em & the boys}

Notes from Home

2011-02-02T13:49:00.005-09:00

"The Last Frontier"

"North to the Future"

"Land of the Midnight Sun"

ALASKA!!

And yes, its "home."

It felt like such a long journey to get here, but now looking back it all seemed to go by so fast. We didn't nearly have enough time with all our friends and family along the way. But, it's ~~good~~ so very good to have a place to call home and to be getting settled. And just like that the hubby is back to work "for real", I start training for a new job next week, Aiden is excited to be starting "school" and this will all be our new normal!

The last time I wrote we were enjoying Christmas with the Marcelli's in Denver, Co. It was great to be back in Colorado after moving away from there a few years ago but what was even greater was to see Kris, Lindsey, Nora and Allie again after a few (long) months. Lilly was overjoyed to spend some time with her best doggie friends. One of my favorite things about this trip was enjoying a cup of coffee with great friends during the quiet mornings before Aiden got up. I can't even really tell you what all we talked about but that part doesn't even really matter! With all of the great family I've been blessed with already, I feel exceptionally lucky that God also feels I need these friends I consider family as well. Aiden even calls Lindsey and Kris "Aunt and Uncle." Well, he calls Kris "Uncle Kris-tmas" and loves them just the same as his other Aunts and Uncles.

Christmas Eve was spent shopping, making Christmas cookies and playing Wii. The days were going by so fast and I knew it wouldn't seem like we had nearly enough time spent here!

On Christmas morning, Aiden was excited to see that Santa had found him in Colorado. There wasn't a snowflake in sight and we were able to spend the morning comfortably in our sweats. We even headed out that day to Kris' parents house sans coats and needing sunglasses! Even without the snow, it was a beautiful Rocky Mountain Christmas. I must admit I miss living in Colorado far more that I ever thought I would. Aiden took the role of passing out the presents and even assisted in opening most of them also! Since Santa knew that we would be traveling he only brought Aiden on gift this year and it was Jingle the Husky Pup and interactive storybook made by Hallmark. He got another book from Mom & Dad and a CAT machine with a drill that he can take apart and reassemble from Kris and Linds. As I said, later on that day we were welcomed into Kris' parents house for dinner and they even had a couple things under the tree for us. Completely unexpected, but very thoughtful.

The day after Christmas we headed out to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in search of King Tut. I need to add a HUGE shout out to the DMNS as we were all allowed to explore the museum for FREE! What a nice surprise that we all got full access for the day, for free with military ids. There aren't enough places that do this type of thing, and I'm not just saying that because it benefits me, but because it benefits so many other families as well. Later that night after heading home to check on the dogs and have some lunch we also went to the Denver Zoo for the Zoo Lights display where the zoo becomes a 38 acre illuminated safari complete with both real animals and 150 animated light sculptures. It was so cold Aiden was crying because his snot was freezing to his face and his mom and dad (who will not be winning parents of the year) had left behind his mittens. But daddy came to the rescue and let Aiden wear his gloves and the zoo had numerous hot chocolate stands offering free refills once you had the cup!

Too soon it was time to get back on the road and keep making our way to the Pacific Northwest where we would catch the ferry to Alaska. We had a couple stops to make along the way and were unsure what kind of wintery weather we would be getting ourselves into. Just as every time before, this time was no different when the dogs were separated. Lilly spent most of the rest of the trip depressed, missing her friends and confused about what was going on! One stop we made along the way was to visit my father who I'd not seen in 15 years. He did not know we were coming but welcomed us in at 9p.m. at night after receiving an unexpected surprise at his door. He invited us back the next day and we spent most of the afternoon there. Leaving the past in the past, Aiden now knows his grandfather and we'll see where it goes from here. After that, we had one day left and I wanted to do some exploring in Seattle, WA. For those of you who don't know, my husband strongly dislikes bigger cities so venturing into the hustle and bustle that is Seattle was strictly something he did for me. That day we went to the Space Needle and the Pike Place Market. I have been wanting to go to the Public market since high school! More (and pictures) on all of these adventures ~~later~~ soon!

At the beginning of the post I mentioned I'd be going back to work and Aiden would be starting "School"...I will explain. I have just been hired by Bright Beginnings Early Learning Center as an Assistant Administrator. I'll be in the classroom part of the day and in the front office the rest. Its not exactly what I was looking for when wanting to go back to work but I'm putting my degree to use and I can still somewhat be with Aiden. They have a spot in one of the classrooms at the same location I'll be working at for Aiden. We checked it out yesterday and met his teacher, he seems excited and has been talking about "school" and "the boys." I'm hopeful this will be a good thing for both of us! One more thing before I go...

Word on the street (ok, the official Groundhog Day Website rather) is that Mr. Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this morning! Ladies and Gentlemen that makes me happy and hopeful to say that Spring is on its way! Yay!!

Notes from the Road

2010-12-26T15:27:00.000-09:00

Happy Holidays!

As the year comes to an end, looking back our family endured some things that we would have rather not. BUT, we still feel very blessed for all the good and wonderful things. We are looking forward to a new start in the new year!

We have been busy in the last few weeks and please excuse my absence, yes I can blog from my Droid, but like I said we've been busy! Whew!

Here's a few notes from the road, so far...

We officially left Missouri the first week of December. We spent the 3 following weeks in Illinois with family. A ~~huge~~ gigantic thank you to Grandma & Grandpa DeCap for lodging, and all that comes with putting us up! Lilly (our dog-ughter) traveled for the first time and did amazingly well. Going into the trip I decided I was not going to try to enforce Aiden's schedule, rather we've just been going with the flow. This cross country move would prove to be trying, yet well worth it all for our adventurous little family!

Not too long after making our way to IL, the snow began to fall. (And fall, and fall, and fall...) Being out in the country made for a beautiful setting and start to the holiday season. The first weekend we were home we gathered with family and the sisters and I had a Christmas cookie baking day. Luckily, the guys were all on hand to assist with quality control! It was so nice to see Aiden playing with his cousins now that he's old enough to keep up with them all. There are many times that we truly miss the chaos that being blessed with a large family brings!

A few days later, after another snowfall, Aiden bundled up and spent some time sledding with his cousins. His first sledding experience was a success and his cousins were such great helpers! A pizza and Lego night followed unexpectedly and fun was had by all. That weekend we made it to one of our nephews basketball games and Aiden spent some time at Grandma Na's house while the hubby and I were able to have a nice quiet adult conversation type lunch date and get some Christmas shopping done.

That weekend was also our Honkey (or Adam's sister)'s Birthday! (Sorry Sis, I didn't get you a special blog post made...I think you understand why!) Unfortunately the weather kept us from spending time with her on that day, but we were able to attend the Geneseo Christmas Walk with other family. We bundled up and made our way through part of the old victorian town and window shopped, checked out the museum, popped in and out of stores, took advantage of a few picture ops and ended the night with dinner, drinks and lots of laughs by the fireplace at a local restaurant. The next evening Aiden spent some time with his God Father and with the McCarty's having the always delicious chicken gumbo! It's something we've began looking forward to for the last few years.

Later that next week, we visited the village fire station. The hubby was a Hillsdale fire fighter prior to joining the Army and his brother has been for many years as well. Aiden really enjoyed exploring the trucks with Uncle Tony and even tried on his gear. It also snowed again that week and one morning while Papa was plowing out the lane with the tractor Aiden got to help. We got all bundled up and stomped and tromped around in the snow. Later that night we had dinner and movie night with the Trickey family. It was a perfect snowy night to have spaghetti and hang out on the couch with all the boys sharing a blanket watching a movie. Another busy weekend would soon be upon us, it would also be the last weekend at home with everyone. Friday night, we enjoyed one of our oldest nephew's Christmas concert at his school. He looked so handsome and sang very well. Saturday morning we would be up bright and early for Christmas at Nana and Kevin's house. We spent the day enjoying tacos and treats and like always, Nana had lots of presents for her little ones. Aiden received a very special Build-a-Bear that has a voice box in its had that when pressed he hears a special message from his Nana. Later that night, my hubby full filled his promise to his sister that if he was able to shoot a deer he would so she could stock her freezer. Together, with the help of his brother, he shot a doe and hug her in the morton building to be processed. With moving across the country and all, we were unfortunately unable to keep any of the meat for our selves! Sunday evening we also spent with family at Papa and Gigi's house for Christmas. It was nice to see cousins and aunts and uncles we don't see often enough and also for Aiden to get to hang out with his God Mother. We are so appreciative of everyone who makes the time to get together with us while we are "home."

We are also very appreciative of all the dinner invites we received! We received so many that we almost ran out of nights to eat with everyone who offered! Through this, Aiden was able to spend some time with his great-uncle Bunkie, great-grandma and grandpa Young, all of his grandparents, his friends Blake and Kai, his pseudo grandma Sherry, great-grandma and grandpa DeCap, all of cousins and aunts and uncles, as well as Michelle and Matt DeCap. I feel like I must have forgotten someone, but Thanks again to everyone! I was just as hard as it always is to have to leave but we needed to keep moving forward on this new adventure and what felt like all too soon, it was time to go.

We were looking forward very much to where we would be going though, our next stop would be to Denver, Colorado for a visit with some of our closest "Army family"the Marcelli's! More fun on our time here in Denver to follow...

Until Then...
Em & The Boys

Birthday Wishes

2010-11-28T18:31:00.000-09:00

Although the day is coming to an end, we have not gone without thinking of our sweet niece today on her birthday! Luckily, we were able to chat with her on the phone today and let her know that we hoped her day was extra special.

Happy Birthday Claire-bear!

We love you, miss you and will see you soon!!

Lots of Love from Uncle Adam, Aunt Em and Aiden!

XOXO

Late, but not forgotten

2010-11-12T06:56:00.004-09:00

Please forgive me as I’m a day late in honoring Veteran’s Day, but it was not forgotten. The afternoon was spent with my husband, a veteran, and 5 others at our house for a Veteran’s Day, pre-Thanksgiving, please come help us eat our food up before we PCS dinner! It was nice to have some of the people who have filled our home with joy while we’ve lived here come one last time...and of course aid in not having to throw away food!

And I can’t go without beaming with pride on a day like Veteran’s Day, so yesterday I found a few pictures of the hubs in uniform. He’s almost half way to retirement, he’s re-enlisted a number of times, he’s been deployed twice, he’s about to be stationed overseas for the second time, and he’s working hard to become an officer. We are so grateful for the sacrifices he has made and continues to make for us to live this life. We also remember those who have served, are now serving with him, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. God Bless them all!

{deployed - OIF}

{deployed - OEF}

{Manchu Ball '08}

{most recent re-enlistment '09}

And I'll leave you with this video of a song that kept playing in my head yesterday...

{Emily}
...And don't worry...I've not forgotten about posting pictures of halloween festivities...

Oh, Rosie

2010-11-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

Today, our little Rosie is recovering from the emergency surgery she endured yesterday. Oh, Rosie we sure miss you around here. We hope you’re getting some rest with the blanket we dropped off for you last night. Lilly has looked all over the house for you and Aiden has been talking about seeing you resting last night. Get better soon so you can come back home for awhile. We love you Rosie-Roo.

Our little “speed-bump”

After returning home from visiting Rosie at the vet last night:

Aiden: “Ro-iese, Ro-iese” Hollering in the yard and around the house for his dog.

Me: “Honey, she’s not here. She’s resting with the doctor, remember?”

Aiden: “Roiese, Blank. toes.”

Me: “Yes, we took the blanket to Rosie and covered her toes didn’t we.”

Aiden: Nods. “Roiese, rest.”

I love that little guy. And I love that he loves his dogs so very much!

{Emily}

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T12:43:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

...From our ~~haunted~~ house to yours!

We’re looking forward to having some spooky good fun and sweet treats tonight! Here’s some fun from Aiden’s halloween’s past...It’s hard to believe this will be his 3rd!

2008

2009

Hope your night is spook-tacular!

{em & the boys}

Shutterfly Shout Out

2010-10-28T12:10:00.001-08:00

How does 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly Sound? I know, really great right!?! Today I came across this offer! And you too can enter your blog for the chance to win 50 free holiday cards. It’s easy, I promise, just go here.

Last year I ordered all our Christmas cards and return labels for the envelopes from the Shutterfly website and I was thrilled at how nice they turned out. I plan on ordering our holiday cards the same way again this year. So imagine how great it would be to win 50 of those cards for free! Now, the only problem is choosing which ones I want to use!

Im a fan of the flat stationary cards, here’s are a few of my favorites...

And...Since we’re going to have a new address soon I might need to make a few of these...

There’s lots of great products and ideas on the Shutterfly website...Check it out!

{Emily}

Birthday Wishes

2010-10-27T07:17:00.002-08:00

Today is cousin Rachel, our dear niece’s, 5th Birthday!!

Rach, We hope your day is extra special and oh so sweet just like you! We miss you lots and wish we could celebrate with you today.

Big Hugs Red x.x.x. Aiden, uncle Adam & Aunt Em

Fall Fun

2010-10-19T13:16:00.001-08:00

We were SO ready to welcome Fall here! The hubs was anxious to get out in the woods and start bow hunting season and I was ready for warm sunny days and cool cozy nights with the windows open. As the season changes once again I’m thankful for more outside time with my guys and taking in the fresh air. I’m thankful that we can see the beautiful leaves change colors, that we can feel the cool crisp air on our skin, that we can hear the leaves crunch and the acorns fall, that we can smell the pumpkin bread baking in the oven, and that we can taste the seeds we’ve dried and baked after carving a pumpkin as a family. It is such a blessing that we are all in good health as we are in the season of thanks giving.

For us, it just wouldn’t be fall without a trip to the pumpkin patch. We were really pleased with the pumpkin patch and hay ride we went to last year and looked forward to going back again this year, only to find that the were not selling pumpkins or making any activities available this year. Luckily, we stumbled across some info about the Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park in Springfield and spent a day exploring Harvest Fest.

It was a beautiful day spent with my beautiful little family at this beautiful time of year! Happy Fall!

{Emily}

Being A Part

2010-10-08T12:49:00.002-08:00

I started blogging so that I could share pictures and happenings with my husband during deployment and our family “back home” but surprisingly not too many read it. And that’s fine, I just wish they would remember its there when they feel like I haven’t shared something. It can be difficult sometimes to be apart. We have been blessed with this awesome life that will take us to new places and on new adventures on Uncle Sam’s dime. As we prepare to PCS (or move) again I’m reminded that we will be starting over again. Making new friends, finding our way around, trusting in a new babysitter and all of the other things that come with picking up and moving to an unknown place. But recently I’ve also been reminded that sometimes its not so scary when you’re a part. And by that, I mean a part of something....to me, something special. As much as our families and friends support us, there is still nothing like the support of someone going through the same thing and completely understanding the lifestyle. (Linds, I miss you!) A while back I came across a Military Spouse Blogging Community and started looking around but didn’t think I really fit in because my blog isn’t about my husband being deployed and I don’t have it all decked out in patriotic stuff. But I kept returning, finding that the more looking around I did the more I related with the blogs I was reading. From time to time, the list of bloggers got a little longer and more of them looked just like documentation of a typical family, more like mine. I decided that I would look into being a part of the community and found that the requirements were easy-peasy! I did what was asked and then waited...I checked back every now and again to see if my name appeared on the list but it seemed that the list kept growing without me there and I began to wonder if maybe my blog wasn’t military-related enough. But today, to my surprise, I checked back and there I am! I smiled feeling that even though we are apart from the ones we love so much we are still a part of something really great. I now can only hope that another military wife will find my blog in the growing list and find something they can relate to. And I also hope that this will be a way to make new a new friend (or a few!) or be able to help out another Mil-Spouse.

It’s days like this that I remember that even though I may be apart from something I love, I can still be a part of something I’m beginning to love more and more with each year we live it. And I smile.

Thank You Household 6 Diva Ann Marie for the wonderful community that you’ve made possible!

{Emily}

Fun in St Louis

2010-10-06T13:36:00.001-08:00

Since we've been living in Missouri we've heard about how great The City Museum in St. Louis is. I researched it way back and WOW! its such an amazing place. However, there's a lot to do there that Aiden wasn't really old enough to enjoy yet. When we found out we would be moving we wanted to make going a priority and even though Aiden wouldn't be able to enjoy all there is to do, he's now old enough to have fun and make it worth going to see. And boy did we see so much! The City really is an amazing place. We spent hours there and still didn't see everything. THe building used to house an old shoe company and is huge (600,000 sq.ft.)! The website describes it as an eclectic mixture of children's playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects. (and I couldn't agree more!!) I'm really glad we were able to make it to The City while we lived so close to St Louis. When we headed out that morning we had to come back home after making it halfway because Aiden got sick in the car. (Big thanks to Grandma who was in the back with him trying to control the craziness!) But after returning home to clean everything up and let him rest we found he felt fine and I'm so glad we attempted to make the trip back because we had a fabulous time! We took so many pictures but I narrowed them down to some of the favorites...

By the time we finished up our day at the museum it was time for dinner, so we headed to Fitz's for some yummy old fashioned root beer and burgers. We also got to see the vintage bottling line in operation which happened to be making orange pop at the time.

{Emily}

Birthday Wishes

2010-09-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

Today is Grandma’s Birthday!

Happy Birthday Na - Love you Much!

We wish we could spend some time with you on your special day. Know we're thinking of you - Hope its wonderful!

{Em & The boys}

A handsome Preview

2010-09-28T12:51:00.000-08:00

That’s right...here’s a preview of the favorites of little man’s 2 year pictures. Oh boy, he sure is handsome! ^

*Family: I plan on getting some prints made. I’ll try to get them to you sometime before he’s another year old. lol...it just happens so fast!!

{Emily}

Onto Two

2010-09-21T12:00:00.002-08:00

Little man had his 2 year check up with the doc yesterday and is lookin’ good. He’s doing good on the growth chart at almost 3 feet tall! The doc did give him a referral to see the ear, nose, throat specialist though. I’m still not satisfied with the way he breathes and she’s concerned about the way he sounds and how I say he sounds when he’s asleep. What mom wouldn’t be concerned when it sounds like her baby quits breathing in his sleep, right? So we’re just gonna get me some peace of mind (or the help he needs, if thats the case.) He also got the last shot he should need until he’s 4! He did so well, ended up with 2 stickers and a sucker, always makes me so proud.

Speaking of how big he’s getting, here’s a few pictures of the recent birthday bash....

{some of the set-up}
{Yes, he l***oves buses!}

{b-day boy checkin' out the treats at the Fuel Station}

{What a lucky little guy to have received so many wonderful gifts}

{And how lucky we all were to be surrounded by family and friends}

A big thanks to all who made Aiden feel special and helped celebrate with us for his birthday! We truly are blessed!

{And he's off to the construction site with his new bike!}

{Emily}

Labor Day

2010-09-17T13:58:00.000-08:00

Our Labor Day weekend was simple, yet enjoyable. we spent the weekend with good friends in Eureka, Mo. Saturday morning we headed out for Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park.

We got everything settled to camp that evening, then headed over to 6 Flags St. Louis for the day. This was Aiden’s first time to an amusement park and he did extremely well both on the rides and waiting in line. Before heading back to the camp ground for lunch we all rode the 18 story tall ferris wheel! Aiden like usual, was fearless trying to lean out of our little cart to see all there was to see!

the gang

(minus..Lindz who was taking our pic. the little guys' heads are down in front!)

(the 2 Brave Souls who Rode the Superman)

At lunch time, we had some puppy chow...Look at that sweet, sticky little face...

Hey you! Don't touch me with those sticky fingers!

That night back at Jellystone, we had dinner and hung out around the fire. The little guys played and rode the gator and the buck around. What a fun, fun day!

And because we were busy on the actual day...here's a few pictures I did up for Labor day...

We're very proud of our soldier...the look on lilly girl's face just says "I honor you"

And as always, we remember the fallen not just on days like labor day but throughout the whole year. R.I.P Friend.

Hope you enjoyed your "end of summer" weekend as much as we did! I've already got out leaves and pumpkins around here! Wishing you a blessed Fall!

{Em & the Boys}

Two

2010-09-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

On this day two whole years ago, we celebrated with happy hearts.

Now we’re celebrating again, although it seems to soon.

Happy Birthday Aiden.

Mommy and Daddy love you very much and are so proud of the little man you are already becoming.

Droid love

2010-09-08T09:01:00.002-08:00

That's right...this post is coming to you from my new Droid X! *eep* A couple weeks ago when I first posted about the phone it was only a dream...but now it's so real! My little beauty arrived yesterday afternoon and quite honestly I haven't gotten a whole lot else done besides explore all the cool things I can now do right from my phone along with all the incredible apps that there are! We had a wonderful end to Summer...Labor Day pictures soon!

{Emily}

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

Sour Patch Kid

2010-08-31T09:57:00.002-08:00

I love this kid dearly...

But let me tell you...I’ve said it before and I guarantee I’ll say it again...he is totally a sour patch kid! First he’s sour, then he’s sweet. If you don’t know what I’m talking about check out this commercial first...

Now, exhibit A:

See what I mean...SOUR. Totally sour. And this is just only one example. He wanted to play with the camera and I told him that wasn’t ok but if he wanted me to take his picture I gladly would. His response? “NO!” But I took it anyway which lead to the above melt down.

So onto exhibit B:

This would be shortly after exhibit A was taken. He put his pj’s on and wanted to cuddle on the couch with the dogs before bed. So SWEET. Especially when he usually only climbs up on to the couch to body slam them and irritate them! When we started seeing those Sour Patch Kid candy commercials I thought of Aiden right away but I must admit, he does have more sweet moments than sour moments. And again, I do love him dearly whether he’s being sour or sweet!

{Emily}

Mid-Week Rewind

2010-08-26T11:44:00.001-08:00

Scrub a dub-dub

My squeaky clean little guy fresh outta the tub

Dreaming of a Droid

2010-08-23T13:26:00.005-08:00

He drives...we ride, that’s just how we roll! lol When we travel there usually aren’t too many places that we go (especially new ones!) that I do the driving because well, there isn’t a whole lot of traveling that doesn’t happen as a family anyway and he prefers to drive. But recently, little man and I were on our own and Adam was sure to equip me with printed google directions, a friends borrowed gps and even a good ol’ atlas. Funny thing is, the truck has the convenient built-in navigation but we don’t use it for travel so we’re always looking for alternate ways to get around in the Tahoe when we don’t know where we’re going! (I tell ya people, we're living like cavemen here!!) When we returned from our trip, Adam ask if I had liked having the friend’s gps because he wanted to look into getting one. It was nice to have, I didn’t get as much out of it as I probably would have because I didn’t want to change a bunch of settings since it didn’t belong to us. But it was nice to have as back up to the printed directions...so he started looking around and found that any of the ones he would consider buying would all be around $300-$400. Well, if we're going to spend that much on just a gps, why not spend about $200 more and go for an iPad which would give us gps plus so much more and would replace our laptop (which we’re considering doing near-future anyway) all at the same time! But, like usual he’s not ready to go all out and I’m don’t want to settle on just the gps (at least not at his price!) - - But like usual, we’ve found another compromise! So now I’m dreaming of a smartphone. The Droid X, actually!

Ain’t it a beauty??

If I actually get one of these, I might not get anything else done during the day...at least not for a while. And isn’t my hubby the sweetest...I know he’d love to have a new phone too but his line isn't eligible 'til next July and knows its dumb to pay the full cost of a phone so he said he’d suck it up and just let me get one and he'll possibly start using the one I have now! I know, I know go ahead....”Awww....”

What gets even better is this...

There’s a car mount for it just like the navigation systems have! And while its docked it charges the phone so that it doesn’t use up all the battery while running the gps! Suh-weet! Are you seeing now why I’m totally excited about this?! I thought so... But until I actually have the thing in my hands I’m trying to control myself. Adam has softball tonight so I’m pretty certain we won’t be making a trip to get it tonight but maybe sometime this week if I’m lucky! I’m trying to have patience but its so terribly hard...I would have loved to have a smartphone long ago but there was really no reason for it. But now that he’s made a reason...he’ll have to work really hard to convince me that I DON’T need it again!!

{Emily}

Mid-Week Rewind

2010-08-19T12:54:00.001-08:00

Here’s a look back at some of the fun we had in June at O-Day put on by the hospital at Fort Leonard Wood. Adam volunteered to sit in the dunk tank and to no surprise he was sitting there heckling people when Aiden and I got there. Aiden didn’t know what to think, but after he saw a few other people trying to dunk daddy he wanted in on the fun. ~~With mommy’s help~~ he had no problem sinking daddy right into the tank!

Splash! I think it’s safe to say that daddy got dunked a few other times by a few other people that day! But he did take a break for a while to have lunch with us and help Aiden with his first pony ride.

They had lots of other fun stuff to do that day like a rock climbing wall, face painting, inflatable castle and slide, raffle prizes, a snow cone station and our favorite, the cotton candy machine!

We had a great time and would have stayed longer but Aiden was without a nap and it was getting pretty hot so we headed for home while daddy finished up helping with the dunk tank. If only there were more days that we could hang out with daddy at work and do fun stuff!

{Emily}

Sharing a Roof

2010-08-18T10:44:00.000-08:00

We’re all back and sharing the same roof again. As wonderful as it was to get away, it’s even more wonderful to be back together. In the last week and a half, Aiden and I have been to Northern Wisconsin and Illinois and Adam has been to Virginia and Washington D.C. and back! I’m working on getting pictures ready to share but until then...

Happy Wednesday! I'll be back tomorrow with a Thursday Throwback...

{Emily}

Thursday Throwback

2010-08-05T14:01:00.001-08:00

4 years ago on the first of July...

This time 4 years ago, we were newlyweds of a month. Look how happy we were and look at all that hair he had!! LOL! The mister and I just celebrated our 4th Wedding Anniversary. So much has happened in 4 years and it just doesn’t seem like its been that long but what a ride! In the last 4 years we’ve endured 4 moves, a deployment and our first baby...just to list the big stuff! That’s not including all the other ups and downs we’ve shared. This year we spent our anniversary in Saint James, Mo.

We had a nice dinner at Sybill’s and spent the rest of the night relaxing in the jacuzzi tub of our hotel room with wine for me and a baseball game on for him.

{Sybill's}

{Ahhh...}

The next morning we made our way to Stanton, Mo and the Meramec Caverns to try out the Caveman Zipline.

There were 4 zips and 3 rope bridges, the fastest zip being 50 mph. We wanted to do a zipline tour in Hawaii while we were there for our honeymoon but it didn’t work out with our other plans, but this was a good beginner course for me. Having done some rappelling before, it wasn't quite as exciting for Adam. But now I’m ready to go bigger and better next time. (I’ve already looked and Alaska has a couple to choose from!)

I also got a bouquet of our symbolic orange lilly’s...

I can’t wait to see what year 5 brings us!!

Emily}
P.S. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow...I love you Papabear!