A Camping We Did Go!

We took the kids on their first camping adventure this past weekend in the Shenandoah Valley. To be precise, we went to Jellystone Park and the kids L O V E D it!! They couldn't wait to get up there and see Yogi Bear and BooBoo, but were very apprehensive of their food being stolen. We assured them their picnic baskets would be secure.
The kids were thrilled to sleep in their very own sleeping bags, make a fire, eat marshmallows (roasting optional!), and play with flash lights and glow sticks. Moira and Daddy even got to catch a firefly. During the day, the kids enjoyed all the kitchy activities of the park. It was like stepping back in time. They jumped on bouncy pillows, swam for hours, rode in a pedal boat, had a water balloon fight, and played on playgrounds. Jon and Carter even ventured to Luray Caverns. It was neat to hear his report - even if I had to drag it out of him.
We also learned Moira has a future as a firewoman. She taught herself how to go down the (7ft high!) fireman pole on the playground. It made me so nervous, but at 2 and a half, she is quite proficient. This girl is all muscle!
I hope you enjoy the photos. Carter's favorite part of camping was roasting marshmallows and Moira's favorite was sleeping in the tent. Jon and I loved being experiencing all of this through their eyes. What a treat. We ALL can't wait for next time!!!

 All packed up and ready to go.

 Are we there yet?

 Group shot. ;-)

 Our site! Before

 Carter in the caves

 The livin is easy when you are Carter Stevenson

 They wouldn't let us leave without getting their picture with Yogi

 Our site! After

 These aren't yo momma's marshmallows. These things were HUGE!

 They are so sweet when they finally fall asleep. ;-) We are saving this pic for when they are teens.

 Pretty amazing.

Most Recent

Finally, here are the most recent photos of the kids. They are getting so big and I can hardly stand it. They really do get cuter, prettier, handsomer, smarter and more precious every day. I will try to be a better steward of recording these fleeting times.

 Carter and his dear friend, Christian. They are like brothers. So cute!

 Be still my heart!

 Moira and her sweet friend Avah. They love each other like sisters, good, bad and indifferent.

Candy to my soul he is! So proud of my big guy!

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!