Saying Goodbye to Sweet Friends

Ok, finally reaching the end of my updates. Phew!

In February, we were forced against our will to say goodbye to our dear friends here in Virginia. It is beyond sad and I don't really want to say much more other than I pray every day we will see them again. Our lifestyle of having been a military family is that we have been blessed with some amazing friends. The other side of that is that we are pros in saying farewell. After all these years, it doesn't get any easier. What is the worst now, is watching your children have to say goodbye to people they have grown to love and rely on. Even though Moira is only two and a half, two when her friend William moved away, there is not a week that goes by that she doesn't mention him and his family. Carter loved Will like a brother and it was so neat to see that side of him since it was the closest thing he will have to a little brother. Have they moved back yet??? Sometimes I really hate this transient life!  Check out the photos below and you will see how sweet they were on each other.

Head for the Hills!

Jon and I were able to head out of town for our first vacation without the kids since Carter made is arrival 5 and a half years ago. We were fortunate enough to have my sister, Meghan, visit and watch the kiddos for us and we made our way to Shenandoah National Park. Jon and I spent the day hiking and taking in the local wildlife. We experienced our first Bed and Breakfast, dangled from ropes, zoomed through trees on a zip line, and basically enjoyed each others company without interruption. We loved it and hope to do it again VERY soon.

Jon very narrowly escaped being attacked by this Timber Rattlesnake. You never saw two grown ups jump so high! He took his sweet time taking this picture too! Sheesh!

Strawberry Picking!

For the past three years we have gone strawberry picking in the Spring. I don't do too much with berries besides eat them or make the absolute best strawberry daiquiri you have ever tested. For me, that's enough. HA! The kids LOVE it and we always try to go with friends so it makes it even more special. The biggest hit besides the berries is, of course, the tractor. Enjoy!

Alright Already!

It was recently brought to my attention by a sweet, young friend of mine that it has been far too long since I have updated the blog. So, at his insisting, I have done so. I think the easiest thing to do is start most recently and go backwards.
Carter has just completed PreK. He has had an amazing experience at his preschool and we have all been blessed as a result. He made some great friends, with one of whom he will continue on to Kindergarten. He is sad to be leaving his school but is thoroughly excited about what lies ahead. Here are some pictures from Carter playing TBall this past Spring with a couple of kids from school.

Snow Day

We had a snow day last week, however, there was no snow on the ground. Just ice! So, Carter and Moira and I made snow inside - the best kind: the kind you can eat! We cut tortillas into snowflake-shapes like you would paper, then baked them, and finally, sprinkled them with powdered sugar. They were yummy! Almost like a funnel cake. Almost.
The kids had fun making them, however, only Moira enjoyed eating them. Carter exclaimed, "Ick! I just like candy!" His wants are simple I suppose. Moira really got into it though. Please check out the photos below. I also included some other recent pictures of the kids because, they are just so sweet, I couldn't help myself!

 (She took her jammies off herself. I guess she was getting down to business!)