We made it--Cheers to 9 Amazing Years and Many More!!

So I need to take a moment to tell you about my ride home from Jen's. Jen gave me a box of chocolate covered strawberries to indulge in for my anniversary which is tomorrow. Jake asked me what my anniversary meant. I told him about it and he got very sad. He said he was sad because he didn't get me anything and that he couldn't make me a card. He didn't want to ask me for help because then I would see it. It was really really sweet.
As I drove, I thought about 9 years and how much I miss Lee. It isn't an anniversary when the one person you love with all your heart isn't here to celebrate with. Thank God I had my sunglasses on....
Then as if that wasn't enough to bring on the waterworks..I guess today really hit home for me. Today was the last Charlton/Castana playdate. While we were there, Jen said something to me that struck a chord. She said, "It would be great if our children could grow-up together." It would be great and I truly wish our life could be that simple. However, I know someday it will be, just not yet.
September 1st has so much meaning. We have made it 9 years, ups and downs, sickness and health, together and far apart. And ironically, I never thought I would be married to a military man, but if it wasn't for the Army I would never have met all the amazing friends I have. So while it stinks that our kids won't grow up together, if it wasn't for the Army we would have never met. It is very bittersweet. Having this last play date of the summer was really really sad for me. I cry when I think about leaving here and our best friends and it breaks my heart. I know our children will not grow up together, but they will grow up always knowing each other. We will always be connected.
So, even though 13 years ago when I met Lee I never expected to be a military wife, I have embraced this life and all that it has brought to me. Now, I just want it to bring me some family time. I miss my husband, my best friend, my confidant, and the love of my life. I can't wait for you to come home so we can celebrate this wondeful life we have made together. Thank you for 9 fabulous years!
Happy Anniversary and cheers to many more!!
PS--My awesome husband sent me beautiful flowers. I was so confused on how he did it being that he has no money over there. He actually put them on lay-away from last year knowing he would be away. He is so thoughtful..thank you!

One more summer playdate!

Today was supposed to be the last summer Charlton/Castana playdate at our house. However, it was so hot outside and Jen was dying to try their new water slide so we went over there instead. I insisted on bringing lunch and it was delish! Our last summer lunch was crab cakes and Caesar salad and it was fabulous if I do say so myself! The boys played so nice and Leah and Lindsey are so amazing to watch. Lindsey loved the water, she cried to get back in when we were leaving! Lindsey also had a few firsts with Auntie Jen--first ride down the water slide, first taste of raspberries and grapes too! I was a bit nervous about the grapes, but she cut them up tiny and she loved them! They had a blast, I guess that is why they have been sleeping over 2 hours!
Thanks for a wonderful day!

Put Down the Ducky

Remember that song by Ernie from Sesame Street-Put Down the Ducky? I couldn't help but think of it and laugh when I saw Lindsey crawling around the other day. This is her new thing, she finds something that fits perfectly in her mouth and crawls around with it--this past Monday it was the head of a little rubber ducky! She cracks me up!

First one of the Season..

On Saturday morning Jacob walked up to the Cider Mill in his pajamas with John and Becky, he was thrilled to get his first donut of the season! I would love to wait till Lee gets home to do a trip up there as a family but I am not quite sure I could wait that long. But the good news for Lee is that he will be able to get donuts while he is here!

End of Summer Celebrations!

The Charltons had a shrimp boil when my sister Laurie was here and Becky heard about it and put a small request in for one while she was here! Jen and Ro were more than happy to have one again! It was delish as usual and we all ate a ton of yummy food, including clams on the grill and smores! Thanks for hosting a great night!
On Saturday the Sweets hosted an end of the summer barbecue--it was one of the best we had this summer! We had an absolute blast--the adults and kids alike! I was having such and great time I really didn't snap any pictures. As soon as my sister downloads her I will steal some and load them on to here!
Thanks to the Charltons and Sweets for great weekend entertainment!

Phewww...where did the week go?

Last week flew by..honestly...I can't believe in 3 days it will be September. I really thought August would be sort of slow and not too busy..boy was I wrong! It was an absolutely super fun month! Having visits from my family, doing fun day trips, enjoying the cooler weather, the cider mill opening and eating yummy bbq food! Last week Jake attended Jungle Camp at Kidnastics and loved it as usual. Then we had a special visit on Thursday from Aunt Becky and John Budd (aka the candyman to some of his little fans)!! So we picked them up at the airport on Thursday but in between their flights Becky and I took the kids to the NY State Fair. 4 hours at the fair was long enough for 2 tired kids! However, as you see in one of the pictures, Lindsey fought her sleep and when I thought she was still biting on the tray of the stroller she had actually fallen asleep on it! It was a great start to the weekend.

It's Raining, It's Pouring...there are 2 naked boys running in my yard!

On Saturday night, it started to rain as the boys were playing outside. They thought it was fun to get a little wet. Well, a little turned in to let's get soaked! First with clothes on, then just underwear then total commando! I took a bunch of pictures but I didn't know how appropriate it was to put them on the blog. I think I will stick with one from a distance. They had a blast! It was a great last night together before our family headed home! Thanks for a great weekend!

Pretty Girl

On Saturday we all went to Alex Bay. We had lunch, walked around, and took the ferry to Boldt Castle. I still can't believe Lindsey didn't sleep at all, I thought for sure she would fall asleep in the stroller. But..she loves to people watch and is way to nosey to sleep! She waited for the car ride home to conk out! She has a few dresses in her closet she hasn't worn yet, so I am trying to get them on her before winter! This was one of them, she looked so pretty!

Can't Touch This....

Lindsey loves to eat, that is obvious to everyone! Sometimes when we give her food and she takes to big of a bite she gets extremely upset when we try to take it away from her or out of her mouth. When my mom gave her the ice cream cone, we let her go to town and she loved it! She is a girl after my own heart!

A Great Family Weekend

Last Thursday my parents, 2 sisters, and nephew came for a long weekend visit! We had a great time, the weather was perfect and we tried to fit in as much fun as we could. On Thursday we hung out here and let the kids play. On Friday, my sister Laurie and Dad watched Lindsey at home while my mom, Donna and I took the boys to Old MacDonald's Farm. It was our first trip to the farm this summer. The boys had a blast with the animals, hayride, bouncy house, etc etc! That night we got pizza and then we all went for ice cream! My mom gave Lindsey the end of her cone with some ice cream on it and she absolutely loved it! No one was going to attempt to take it away from her! After ice cream, Donna and I took the boys to the park to run off the sugar! Here are some pictures from Friday!

Buddies

I love the fact that Seth and Jacob have always called each other "best buddies." They even call each other "buddy" when they are playing together. I think it is absolutely adorable. So cheers to having best buddies!
Seth and Jacob---Jen and Kristen

More Pics

It was worth the chance...

Jen and I had planned to take the boys to Enchanted Forest today but last night we were very unsure about the weather today. It really didn't look good this morning but we decided we needed to take the chance. It very well could be our last trip with our boys to the park. We took the chance and it ended up being a perfect day! The boys behaved extremely well, played great together, and had a blast! It was fun, relaxing, and just a great day with great friends! Enjoy the pictures!

Putting on the Ritz

Lindsey has a new favorite snack--Ritz crackers. They are one of Jacob's favorites too. I love to watch them have a snack together!

Swing High, Swing Low

On Saturday, I took the kids to the park. We definitely make our way to the various playgrounds around here during the week. Jake needs to get out and run and Lindsey loves to watch people and swing! The best part about the swings now is that Jake has learned to "pump" his legs and swing all by himself and Lindsey just loves to watch him!

Big Brother, Little Sister

I have been waiting forever to put Jake and Lindsey in these shirts! It is amazing how much they are both growing, I almost think Lindsey is catching up to him!

I think she is in LOVE!!

Lindsey definitely is more fascinated by TV than Jacob ever was/is. She really likes a few shows, not that she watches them, but they definitely catch her attention. Her absolute favorite is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She must love the colors, music, animation, etc etc. When it comes on she claps and giggles. I decided the other day to put her in this outfit from my mother-in-law that has Minnie on it. Well, when I showed it to her she was clapping and giggling, like it made her day! Then Jacob proceeded to give her his little Mickey we got in Disney World to play with. He told her she could have it until she gets one of her own! She is in love!!

Let's Limbo

Tonight we had a Luau on Fort Drum with all the families in our unit! It was super fun and the kids had a blast. There were all sorts of relay races, a limbo contest, tug of war, a dessert contest, a raffle, a brand new playground near the Lodge for the kids to play at, and yummy food! We dressed up in our best Hawaiian outfits and had a great time!