Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Happy Halloween!

These pics of the cutest octopus and elephant are from the fall festival Saturday. Tonight we're going to do a little house to house trick or treating! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa M for the awesome treat bag. You can't see in these pics, but Nolan's name is embroidered on there!!! I'll hopefully have lots more pictures to share tomorrow! Happy Trick or Treating!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Happy Birthday Drew!

Our friends, Nadia and Drew, recently bought a house here in town and moved from base...whoo hoo! Saturday they hosted a 30th birthday party for Drew as well as a housewarming party. Their house is GORGEOUS and decorated beautifully. Nadia has an eye for home decor and their whole house shows it. Nolan actually opted not to eat ice cream and cake and instead spent the entire time playing with Tristan's trucks and cars. It was a great time, thanks Morgan's!!!
This is the cake that Drew's mom, Pam, made. The edible photo (of Drew as little guy) was done at the bakery, but the rest she made. YUMMY!

Nadia, Cheyna, and myself:Leanne and baby Gwen:

I love this picture, it was right after Tristan helped Drew blow out the candles on the cake.

Uncle Nathan

Uncle Nathan (Brian's brother) is taking a 4 week class at Hurlburt Field AFB, which is about 30 minutes from where we live. We met him for dinner one week night when he first arrived, but I didn't get any good pictures. That happens alot when I am out to dinner with Nolan, he usually takes up most of my energy just keeping him behaved! Anyway, Sunday Nolan and I had Uncle Nathan over for some chili and cornbread. Nolan was beside himself and had a blast showing off for Nathan and running around the yard with him. I loved having some adult conversation and hearing about all the fun night life that goes on around here. I vaguely remember a time when I could go out and stay out as late as I wanted without worry or guilt...was it real or am I imagining it? I'm totally kidding, I wouldn't trade what I have for all the money in the world. Anyway, it was an awesome afternoon and we're so glad we got to hang out with Nathan!

Friday, October 26, 2007

Blog Makeover!

I have been eyeing different blogs for many months now trying to get a feel for my "Dream" blog appearance. I love having this blog so much and adore how it makes me feel like I am so much more connected with all of my loved ones, especially those that are far away. I came across Mia at the Blog Cafe through another blog I frequent and so began my journey to have my blog re-designed. I shouldn't really say "re" designed, because it was never designed to begin with. Mia was so sweet and so awesome and EXTREMELY talented. She was able to design something for me that I never thought possible! I love it and I thank her for her hard work and for my blog makeover. I mean, really, what girl doesn't like a new look?

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Where did it Go?

Nolan and I went to Applebee's with friends last night...it's a weekly dinner that we try to get to as much on a regular basis as we can. Nolan sat in a booster seat through dinner, and since he was a "good boy" he got a balloon. When we got home Nolan sat in his chair in the living room and didn't realize what happens when you let go of a helium balloon. It's like he turned around and it was gone. Literally! I had to pull out the camera to record him looking for the balloon. He's a handful, but he always makes me laugh and I love him to pieces for that (and a million other reasons, but we don't have enough time for that today)!

Big Boy Toothbrush

Nolan has always liked to brush his teeth, but recently is most interested in sucking off the kids' flavored toothpaste. He always watches me VERY intently while I brush my teeth (the Powerbrush kind), so I bought him his very own power brush toothbrush. He's brushing really well and that's pretty much what he wants to do all the time now!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Mmm Mmm Good!

Nolan's new favorite food is an American classic. Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. He "dumps" (his language for dunks) the sandwich, he also drops pieces of the sandwich in to get it nice and soggy, then eats that, and he also slurps down the soup from his spoon. He just cracks me up. Here are 2 videos of him eating the soup/sandwich combo Sunday, on yet another rainy yucky night. In the first video if you listen very closely, you'll hear Nolan...um, how shall I put this?...TOOT (it's near the end of the clip)! Which is why he says "'Cuse me!" Ha ha ha. Unfortunately for the bib he's wearing, handed down from cousins Corey and Morgan, it saw it's last night. After dinner, during Nolan's bath, Tootsie was eating the soup and cheese off of the bib and ate two holes in the bib. I thought it was odd that she, being a dog, ate the dogs face off in the bib... but hey, all is fair in love and CHEESE!

Monday, October 22, 2007

Pumpkins and Mullets

Saturday morning Nolan and I headed to the Pumpkin Patch, the same one that we went to last year. It was bitter sweet, going to the same one, seeing Nolan a whole year later in the same setting, but we sure missed Daddy. They had a castle bouncer (what in the world are those things called?) and Nolan was VERY excited about that. He was not having the whole "let's sit still and take great pictures since Momma dressed me all fall-like and appropriately for the pumpkin patch." We picked out some pumpkins, but I have to say without our official Pumpkin Picker Outer (Brian), we probably didn't do as good, but they look great on our front porch. Nolan even got his face painted, a pumpkin (of course) on his cheek. Even today he was talking about the "pumpkin on his cheek." After the pumpkin patch we went across the street to the annual Mullet Festival. This is not a festival of long hair in back, short hair in front (much to Brian's dismay), but mullet is a fish. We got there fairly early and beat the crowd. Nolan had his first pony ride. I thought he would be petrified, but after watching them for a minute he said, "Ride horsey?" He did great! Then he rode a couple rides, played a game where he "fished" the duckies out of the pond, and then we had some lunch. Roasted corn on the cob for Nolan, since I knew anything else would be a waste of money with so much excitement. But corn on the cob...he'll always eat that! It was a fantastic and busy morning and one I'll always remember. This is about as close to a smile I got, but in his defense he's saying CHEESE! Right before his face painting: This is about when he spotted the clown and was not really happy about it: Hmm, looks like he is being a bear in this one, "GRRRR!"I just think this picture is hilarious of Nolan!Nolan pointing at his Pumpkin cheek: Showing off his prize doggie (who he has since de-stuffed), with his corn that he shared with the dog: Riding his pony:

Friday, October 19, 2007

More Kim and Avery

Besides going to the beach we hit the Commons, an outdoor mall that also has a splash pad and playground. That meant we didn't get any shopping done that day! After church on Sunday we went to the outlets and got a little shopping done and ate a yummy lunch. We also had lunch on the water one day at The Back Porch. We took the kids to gymnastics and they had a lot of fun. We also did a lot of playing in the yard and Kim and I had lots of late night chats. Here's some more pics of their stay. I wish I could post them all!
Kim and Avery (at Back Porch):
When we went to the Commons we parked right next to the Vrabec's...not knowing they were even planning on going there. So we hunted them down in Bass Pro Shop and here are the Avery, Nolan and Abby at the HUGE fish tank. Avery & Nolan going down the slide...this is the best I could do with them together, they will NOT hold still! Isn't she gorgeous?We had Cheyna and Abby over one night for dinner. Here is our attempt at having a grown up table...put the kids at a kid table. Go ahead, laugh. We had to, because the entire meal we were trying to get them to sit still and eat. Mostly they chased each other around the island laughing. Oh well, at least they slept well!Kim and I! Avery and I. We tried one with Kim and Nolan, but he was not having it. He has ants in his pants these days!

Day at the Beach

Monday Kim and I took the kids to the beach on base. The waves are MUCH calmer, almost like a lake with light waves rolling in, so it's not as intimidating. It was the perfect day, not hot, but not too cold. They had so much fun we had a hard time getting them out of the water. Avery must be half fish...and no fear, she was swimming like a pro! Nolan found that throwing rocks in the water is lots of fun, so he kept doing that. After the beach we headed to the BX for lunch and home so the kiddos could nap. I love this pic of Avery with that beautiful smile! Nolan being silly!

This is for my hubby, we really do miss you so much.

A cute video of the kids...I tried to get them both in the screen the whole time, but you try getting 2 toddlers to stay in one place...while in the water...ha!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Getting to Know You...

Here are some casual pics of the kiddos on the first day that Kim and Avery arrived. Avery and Nolan took to each other immediately and had fun getting re-acquainted. Most of you probably know, but some may not remember, Kim and I were pregnant with our beautiful little ones together. Tammi was also pregnant at the same time, and she had Evan first in July. Two months later came Avery. And two months after that we met Nolan. I can hardly talk about this miracle without tearing up, because as you probably know we just don't get pregnant easily. It was so amazing to watch God's plan unfolded before my eyes. I can't imagine a more perfect plan...getting to experience my first pregnancies with two of my best friends. And over a course of a few months I have gotten to see them both again and Nolan has been able to meet both his "buddies." I am so blessed! Anyway, here are those pics I was talking about! :) Beautiful Avery Grace on the slide: Avery & Nolan taking a rest:Pausing to actually drink the juice...what's not pictured is them BANGING the juice cups on the picnic table, giggling and laughing hysterically!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

That was Then...

This was Kim, Avery, Nolan and myself in February 2006. Nolan was 3 1/2 months and Avery was 5 1/2 months. Here we are today, at 23 months and 2 years old. Where does the time go? I just dropped Kim and Avery at the airport after a five day visit. It was a tearful good bye on both of the momma's parts. I love being an Air Force spouse, but leaving friends is the hardest part. The best part is seeing them after more than a year and feeling like not one day has passed. I have so many pictures of their visit I'm not sure if I'll ever catch up. We love you Avery and Kim and we're so grateful you came to see us!

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Photos from the man himself...

Brian emailed me some pictures from Qatar. It's so great to be able to picture where he is sleeping and what the room looks like. He wasn't exaggerating when he said it was a small room...reminds me of college, but with less color. Even better are pictures of Brian, it makes me so happy! The hallway to his room:
Brian's 10x10 room, he's standing in the door taking the picture and his bed is on the left:
His wardrobe, with his "wall of pictures:"
Justin Littig and Brian. We knew Justin at FE Warren and they crossed paths when Brian first arrived at Al Udeid. Here they are sharing a couple brews before Justin heads back to the States!
Three of the Lt Col's that work in the office with Brian, playing darts. (left to right) George, Fuzzy, and Gramps:
Fuzzy and Brian:

Monday, October 08, 2007

Oktoberfest

I was very excited to hear that Crestview was having an Oktoberfest. Maybe it's my German roots, but every fall I start craving a bratwurst topped off with a pound (at least) of sauerkraut! Much to my dismay there were no brats and no beer...anyone else think that's kind of odd? Anyway, it was still a pretty cool carnival, especially for kids. I met the Vrabec's there Friday night and we let the kids ride some of the carnival rides before we headed off to a mexican place for some dinner. I rode a merry go round of elephants that went up in the air and back down with Nolan and then he and Abby rode a couple rides together, without needing us with them. They had so much fun!! Here are some pictures from my camera...if the Vrabec's have some different ones (or one where both kids are smiling & looking at the camera at the sime time) I'll post those later! Abby's blowing kisses to Chey & Andrew!

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Happy 5th Birthday Tanner!

Tanner, where does the time go, I mean, REALLY? You are such a big boy, and supere cute at that. I can see how proud your momma and daddy are of you and rightly so. You are a pretty amazing kiddo and a fantastic big brother. Brian and I love you so very much and our hearts are very sad that we can't be there in person to give you a big hug. It won't be in time for your 5th birthday, but we're going to work really hard at coming to see you soon! Give your momma a big squeeze for me.

Friday, October 05, 2007

Happy 1 Month

My husband is the absolute greatest and sweetest man. Today I was surprised with flowers....the occasion being we've reached the 1 month mark! It made me cry, I was just so touched and felt like he was right here with me. We miss you Brian, more than words can express and can't wait for you to get home. We love you so much, thanks for being the best. And really...you are the BEST!

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Introducing...

Eddie the elephant, Nolan's newest pal. I almost feel sad for Mousey, because I've always put my foot down and not let Nolan take Mousey out of the crib, but in my "his daddy's away" guilt I let him take Eddie with him. Not out of the house, but out of his crib...he usually snuggles with him until he's really awake, then he pretty much forgets about him until nap or bedtime. So he now has Mousey & Eddie to keep him company at night and to talk to when he wakes up in the morning. And he really deos talk to them. The other morning he wanted him to eat breakfast with Eddie, so here they are eating cereal....

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Letters & Packages

I have had lots of people ask me what Brian could use in a package, so I thought I would just post it here, though please don't feel like I'm asking you to mail him one. I will say that even a letter or an email would make his day. Anyway, in answer to those wondering, he loves just about anything in a package! He could really use some more phone cards as he's on his last one and that's how we talk. I'm getting him another one ASAP, but it sounds like that's something he can always use. . He's at the office most of the day and they have a microwave there. Also, the only thing they have to drink is bottled water, so he really enjoys the crystal light packets to put in water...it doesn't have to be crystal light brand, but any "flavoring" for water is great, he said they LOVE those (and I stole that idea from Chey). I keep prodding him for what he wants/needs and other than some things he needed me to send from around the house, he hasn't told me many specifics. But when he gets a package or a letter, I can always hear that it's a good day. He can't check the blog from that base, so he won't be seeing this. I copy and send him the blog posts usually. So, if you have a blog, Brian can't check it, but feel free to copy and email him any fun blog enteries, I know he'd REALLY enjoy it! And thank you all so much, I've gotten so many phone calls and emails myself and Brian and I just feel so blessed to be so taken care of. Alright, I am off to bed, I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Just as they say!

Everyone is always saying how strange it is that Nolan can look SO much like me and SO much like Brian at the same time. I thought this little "quiz" would decide once and for all, but it looks like Nolan really does look just like his Momma & Daddy! Thanks to Dawn who posted this meter on her blog, what a cute idea!