Hello, again! From California... California, Maryland that is

So I had a two month hiatus. In those two months we...

-moved to a different state
-started new schools
-said bye to old friends and made new ones
-reunited with friends from years past
-started a new job in a new discipline
-went on a road trip to PA and NY
-went on a road trip to celebrate a special 2 year old boy
-experienced a first in camping with girl scouts
-went on field trips
-had visitors from out of town
-celebrated Easter
-splashed in mud puddles


So we have quite a bit to tell you about. We made our big move to Maryland. The girls had adjustment period but we are now on the other side of it and I will say we faired well.

 When the house was packed in VA, the girls enjoyed hide and seek and coloring the boxes.

 Then once in Maryland, box houses were the big hit.

I will be back soon to fill you in on our lastest adventures. 

With every move

With every move, you create new memories, new routines, new friends. But you never forget the ones you have to leave behind. You develop snapshots that in a nutshell describe the few short months or years you spend at that stop.

Here are pictures of our last week, that will most likely be my snapshots of my girls' time here in Little Creek.

Sweet sisters and sweet friends uniting over a picture book.

And, sidewalk chalk as the medium for their imagination among a great group of neighborhood friends.

This time a hopscotch that goes all the way up to 79!

Memorial Day 2014

 Memorial Day is about our fallen military service members. Our base housing neighborhood decided to celebrate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with bike parade, escorted by the base fire truck. We were also lucky to have family in town since Elli's party was the same weekend. It was a blast, as you can tell from the pictures!

 Popsicles for all. I know I am getting weak as a momma when I am letting my barely two year old divulge in popsicles.

 It is okay, the popsicles kept them occupied so I could get in kisses for my sweet nephew. His cheeks are so KISSABLE! I hope his cheeks always stay that way!

 Family, the glue that holds life together!

Then shortly after the parade, we heard the 21 gun salute start. It is a cannon shot off every minute for 21 minutes. A 21 gun salute is a traditional sign of respect for fallen service members. Brady, Reese and I went the three tenths of a mile down the road and watched the remaining 17 cannon fires. 

It was a day strongly attached to the meaning of the holiday, in a kid friendly environment. I LOVE living in base housing. 

America's Kids Run, Year Two

Last year, we attempted to have the girls run in their first organized race. It ended tearfully without passing the finish line. This year they didn't want to do it. They remembered last year. But we like to push our girls outside of their comfort zone occasionally so they can see that they don't need to be scared. This race is done right here on base, so there are always neighborhood friends there to run with or cheer on. The 5 and 6 year olds run 1/2 mile.

I love this pre-race photo. 

 Always make sure to warm up. I swear I just gave birth to my first child and that girl (that looks twelve) in the pink shorts is not mine.

 Reese was happy to help out a neighbor. I guess I raise lil mommas.

 All smiles mid race.

 Reese did need extra encouragement from me. I ran beside her the entire time and pumped her up the entire way. She gets frustrated that she doesn't run as fast as her peers (only one kid behind us). But while running/walking we talked about everyone has different things they excel at. Reese gave it one good last sprint at the finish line.

 Then the girls stayed to cheer on a neighbor in the next age category that ran one mile.

 Meanwhile, Elli observed older girls doing cartwheels for about five minutes. Apparently, she absorbed it all, since her attempt is quite valid!

Today was a success! Both girls crossed the finish line and without tears. This momma did shed a tear of pride though. 

Respect for the red white and blue

Only at base housing does a ONE year old hear the first eight count of the Star-Spangled Banner and know to stop walking and talking and place your hand on your heart (without prompting). 

 

Please excuse my temporary disrespect during the national anthem while I snapped this picture. I am just proud to be raising patriotic kids. 

Steady beat

Bum bum badadada bum
Bum bum badadada bum
Bum bum badadada bum

I heard this from the upstairs bedroom. Puzzled? Is the construction that steady across the street? Are the neighbors banging on the windows again? Nope, just the marching band passing.







Love living on base! Never a dull moment!


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2013 Bucket List COMPLETED

This post is a few months behind, but I can proudly say we kicked the bucket...list in the behind! We had it completed in late October.

I orginially made this list right after our move to get us excited about the new possibilities in this new town. Remember this list was created over a year ago.

Here it is:

-go on a rocketship (Reese)

We visited the Virginia Air and Space Center in Hampton, VA in September. We explored all sorts of air vehicles including rocketship. We also got to see a rocket take off from our front porch one night! We kept the girls up so they could witness this extraodrinary event.

-go swimming (Reese)

-Perform an Ariel show with my doll (Reese)

This is not the Ariel show pictured... but we get 'shows' on a daily basis. No really, EVERY day. Sound of Music is the most recent theme of most shows.

-go for a hike (Brady)

No hills in our hikes, but we do enjoy the mile walk through our neighborhood (base). 

-go to the zoo (Brady)

-go to where Felicity lived (Brady)

The older two girls were treated to a couple trips to Colonial Williamsburg last year. They enjoyed learning about the differences in life and culture, including tea and curtsy lessons.

-go to the Botanical Gardens (Christy)

Among our multiple trips to the Botanical Gardens to play in the World of Wonder kids' garden. We also explored the Christmas light display during the Polar Express event. The girls also got their first taste of hot cocoa.

-go to the Great Wolf Lodge (Christy)

-go to DC and watch the Giants play (Karl)....

This one wasn't completed in its original form...instead Karl go to see the Giants play in San Diego, even better right!?!?!

-go see Kaddie's (now better known as Pop Pop) fish (Christy)

-go to the Children's musuem (Reese)

-go to the Aquarium (Brady)

-eat Cheesecake Factory cheesecake (Karl)

You know he ate this too fast for me to grab a picture of it!

We did so much last year, much of which is not even listed on here. Glad that we were able to kick the bucket...list!

Stay tuned for the post previewing this year's to do list.