Tuesday, July 28, 2009

First Day, First Grade

Maddie is growing into quite the lady these days, starting grade school, losing teeth, and developing friendships and so much personality. As summer break of 09 comes to a close I find myself realizing how much crazy fun we've had with her. She has lost 4 teeth total, experienced her first slumber party, went to Disneyland, developed quite a collection of handbags, and has just been delightful to have around all day.

Maddie was a bag of nerves this morning but quickly warmed up to familiar faces once we arrived at school. We took some pics, snagged a few kisses, and hugs before watching her join her class. I feel very blessed she is in a class with a highly requested, fun, sweet teacher again this year...more to come.




Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Still Seeing Fireworks!

 Matt and I decided early on that while we love tradition, the typical wedding gifts of paper, silver, clocks, etc just isn't for us. We have decided our own tradition of a mini get~away, just the two of us is more our style. This year we returned to Disneyland!




Our trip back to Disneyland was a blast, we dined at Goofey's Kitchen to kick it off began our days early and stayed nearly till closing every night. We enjoyed Fantasmic, Nightastic, Electric Parade, Fireworks, many walks through New Orleans (my favorite part of Disney) and rode our favorite rides over and over together. One of my favorite hi-lights was eating at a restaurant I can remember admiring as a child for the first time. It is called the Blue Bayou. Matt made it happen for our anniversary dinner, we ate by candlelight near the railing looking over the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The food was delicious, my date was amazing, we shared creme brulee for dessert and it was such a romantic way to celebrate our love for each other.
I thought it would be fun for each of us to contribute to this post so I put Matt on the spot...


Matt's Thoughts ~ It's been a year now and I still get misty eyed when I think back to the day I first saw her beautiful eyes light up when she smiled. There have been a lot of smiles, some tears, and perfectly timed hugs and kisses along the way and the fireworks still remain bursting big and bright.

Me again ~ Isn't he awesome?! I once read "Dance with God, he'll let the perfect man cut in." It is so true, Matt is an answer to many prayers and as our love grows together, I find myself growing closer and deeper in my walk of faith. Matt is kind, loving, spiritual, fun, honest, and so patient with me, I still can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together, one year at a time!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Fun Time in the Sunshine!

With this California sunshine, the pool, wet swim suits, the grill and a constant stream of friends at our place we find ourselves in the backyard swimming, eating, playing games, and practicing our aim with squirt guns and water balloons nearly all day long! Today we we hosted the Buckner and Espinoza Families as well has some familiar little faces from the court we live on.
Badminton
Swimming really wears a guy out!
Espinozas on left and Buckners on right
Happily Us.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Independnce Day


So much tradition comes to mind with this holiday, watching my hometown, parade filled with vintage cars, high school rival bands, veterans, and fire engines, while enjoying cream cheese danishes and coffee from the same bakery my dad enjoyed as a child. I come from a small town filled with small family businesses who proudly fly our Country's flag outside their windows. The mainstreet in Bothell, WA is intimate with lots of charactor. The "mall" consists of a cafe, a clockshop and a few artsy places. At least 20 years I've camped out on those sidewalks to get a curbside seat, but it is time to begin making new traditions that we can take with us wherever our Journey brings us...


We enjoyed a morning parade locally in "Old Town" Tracy, CA. this year. This town is unique and very patriotic. Flags are everywhere, yellow banners hang from street lamps with local deployed service member's names printed on them, this place reminds me alot of my hometown. The parade was great, bubbles, clowns, candy for the kids, firetrucks, and so much more entertainment! Oh and we found a little coffee shop that served cream cheese danishes, mmm! The rest of our day consisted of scooters, water balloon fights, BBQing, fireworks, smores, beer and celebrations with our neighbors on the court.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

A San Francisco Adventure

Today we ventured out near the Golden Gate Bridge where we lost ourselves on a narrow windy road and came upon a sandy beach where the kids couldn't resist rolling up their pants and playing in the sand.
We continued our venture where we came upon an old Military base and light house. The kids had fun exploring the different buildings, and the views were amazing!
HeHe!
We drove over the Golden Gate Bridge and into the city...
...ate dinner at the Boudin Sourdough Bakery/Cafe...
...checked out Ghirardelli Square
Where we had dessert!
Going..
Going...
GONE!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Kinsey Turns 9!

Happy Birthday Kinsey!
We had the privilege of celebrating Kinsey's Birthday during the Girl's summer visit again this year.  Kinsey said she wanted to celebrate with a pool party, a bbq, her new friends from the court, ice cream cake and smores, so we did! 
A proud dad and grill master cooking her birthday dinner.
Friends and family.
Make a wish,
and hope it comes true,
You are an amazing girl,
And we love you!!!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Coast Guard Kids Celebration Day

The kids got to get on board a 25 ft. Patrol Boat
  Coast Guard Island opened itself up today specifically to celebrate our kids and the sacrifices and challenges they face with this lifestyle.  Being part of the Coast Guard Family is unique, we are an intimate community that faces unique challenges even compared to other branches of the Military.  My kids have an amazing way of adapting to it all and have pulled through beautifully.  They amaze me more and more everyday! This day was all about the kids with a day of fun including tours, petting zoo, bouncy houses and food.  Matt was able to break away and join us in the festivities even. It feels so good to know our sacrifices are recognized and appreciated!
Feeding and petting the animals.
H-65 Dolphin Fly by and landing...
Gabe loved being in the Pilot's seat...
...as did Maddie!