Full House

Jamboree or Bust!

This summer Cooper had the opportunity to attend the 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree.  It was such a great experience for him.  This was the 100th year anniversary of Scouting, as well as the last year it will ever be held at Ft. A.P. Hill, VA.   He was gone for nearly 2 weeks.  His troop was able to tour Washington, D.C. before going to the Jamboree.  There were fantastic programs with fly-overs, speakers like Mike Rowe and Robert Gates.  All shared with 50,000 Boy Scouts and leaders.   I wish I had pictures to share.  This is Cooper in the car when we picked him up. I think he was happy to see us all and be back home!

 
One of Coop's favorite parts of the Jamboree was trading patches with other scouters.  His troop had 4 different patches, each representing a branch of the military (Army, Navy, AirForce, Marines).  They were very popular.  Here is what Cooper came back with.  His troop patches are all in a row on the top left.

 

More Visitors!

My Mom came to visit us again, but this time she brought a buddy.....my neice Brittan!  I think it was special for Brittan to come alone with Grammie and my kids loved having her here!  They could't come all this way and not go to the beach!  Fun times!

 

Brady loved having Grammie here too!

 

Running?!?!

Meet my Asics Gel Nimbus 12's

 

I'm married to a runner.  A man who loooooooves to run.  I on the other hand have always despised it.  I have actually made it a point to avoid running and choose to exercise via other means.  Well, I have finally decided that I should give it a go (with a lot of prodding from "Queenie").  It's touch and go, but I'm getting better.  I'm still horribly slow, but I'm going to keep trying! Now, will someone come and force me off of the computer and throw me outside?

Takeout Times

How many uses are there for a Lo Mein noodle?  Apparently more than I thought!

 

R&R

WELCOME HOME!!

 

Joe arrived home from Afghanistan on June 18, 2010.  He and I stole away for a few days to the Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island, FL for some much needed time alone.  It was like heaven on earth!

  

The kids didn't know Joe had come home already.  Thanks to my friend who was in on the plan, we were able to surprise the kids when our time in FL was over.  While Joe was home, we had to go over to Columbus and work on our rental property, but we were all together.  We spent time at the pool, celebrated Brady's 3rd birthday and just enjoyed being together.

It was hard to say our goodbyes once again, but at least this time we only have to wait for 5 months instead of 7 to get him home again.  Hurry up Thanksgiving!!!  

 



 

 

Movin on Up!

June 2010

The end of the school year saw two big milestones reached.  Ella graduated from Kindergarten and Cooper graduated from 8th grade.  Ella had a small ceremony in her classroom.  Because of the state-wide Pre-K program in GA, they don't do much for advancement ceremonies this young.  Cooper on the other hand had a wonderful program.  He received an academic award and looked very handsome in his white shirt and black slacks.  All of the girls had to wear white dresses as well, which added to the atmosphere.  It's so hard to believe that my kids are growing up so fast!  We love you both so much and are so proud of you!

 

 

 

Spring Softball 2010

Earlier this spring Hailey and Sadie decided to try a new sport.........softball!  I was so excited to finally find a team for them to be on.  I grew up spending my summers playing softball.  I wasn't all that great, but I loved the sport.  The girls had a great time meeting new friends and learning a new sport.

  Hailey and Sadie (remember June in GA is HOT!!!)

  

The St. Francis Cabrini Cougars

 At the end of the season, the Cougars participated in the "Field of Dreams" program with the Savannah Sand Gnats.  Our surrogate deployment family, the Barbeau's came to show their support for the girls.  They were introduced over the loud speaker and walked on the field with the pro's who play the same position they do.  They were able to get some autographs on their jerserys, which made them feel like rock stars!

 

 

Don't forget the awards and of course....the ice cream!

 

It's My Party.....

And I'll cry if I wanna!  Thankfully there were no tears this year.  Although it was strange realizing that somehow I'm in my mid-30's already!  Thanks to my fantastic family and friends it was a very special day.  I met my "girls" (Lizzie, Ashley and Amber) at one of our favorite places, 606 E Cafe for lunch.  The food was delish and the kids obliged and played while we chatted.  Amber even surprised me with an adorable cake!  When I got back home, I was shocked when a man delivered a dozen beautiful red roses from Joe.  What an awesome surprise!!  Because I didn't want to cook on my burfday, we went out to eat...again!  This time for Mexican food.  Yum!  During a trip with the little ones to the restroom, a waiter told my friend he was going to get me a shot to help me celebrate my birthday.  However, it wasn't until after he left the table that it sunk in what he meant.  He brought me out a shot of something and a big sombrero to wear while they sang to me.  Nooo, I didn't drink it, but it made for a fun photo op!  Besides, the guy at the table next to us was more than happy to drink it for me.  Thanks to everyone for making my day great!

 

Random Pictures

Just a few random pictures I had on my phone.  Notice Cooper is nowhere to be seen!  He hides from the camera!  I think Hailey and Sadie had just gotten haircuts.  The next time you see Ella, you should ask her where she got the lovely ring made out of a straw wrapper.  Just be prepared for a little backlash!

Having Fun at the Beach

We rarely get out to the beach (which is sad since it's so close), but every time we do we have loads of fun!  It is one of the things we will really miss about Savannah.  Tybee is a very family friendly beach.  It's not great for surfing, but it makes the water a great place for the kids to play.  We always come home with a collection of seashells and an occasional sand dollar.  We keep the best shells in a glass container, but the memories we make we will always keep!