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!