Saying Goodbye

<-At home with the kids before Barrett left

On January 14, we went to the airport to see Barrett off to Iraq. It was an early morning. We had to be there at 6:00 am! We thought we would get there and get him checked in and ready to go so we could have some time to spend with him before he left, but it turned out that they bumped him up to an earlier flight. We had to say goodbye as soon as we got through security. I guess it was good in some ways to not have to prolong the inevitable. It was a sad day, but as I write this, we have several weeks under our belts and we are pressing on and keeping busy, looking forward to the day that we will all be reunited.

Bowling trip

We went to a bowling birthday party for one of Isabelle's friends and the kids got to go bowling for the first time. Isabelle had more fun just running around with her friends, but Caleb got a kick out of "rolling" the ball as hard as he could down the lane (good thing the gutter gaurds were up). I discovered once again that no, I am not a very good bowler. I got the lowest score (that didn't surprise me!) but we all had a great time with our friends.

Video: Caleb bowling (click on start button to watch)

Cute Christmas pictures

We have to get the "in front of the Christmas tree" poses each year!

Christmas with the Jones' and Hayes

The day after Christmas, we celebrated the holiday once again, this time with Barrett's parents, Tim, Susanne, Roger, Elijah and Gracie Beth. Let's just say that it was a little bit busier than the day before! In our small house, there wasn't much space left after all the presents were brought in. We had fun celebrating with them even though it was a short visit. You can tell what a warm Christmas we had based on the kid's summer clothing they are wearing- yes, we live in Florida! Caleb got his own remote controlled flying helicopter to match the one he and Isabelle got for daddy, as well as a cool pirate ship and other neat toys. Isabelle maxed out on dress-up clothes (I don't think there is a princess costume out there that she doesn't now own) and more dolls (we will need to add on an additional room soon to accomodate them). Thanks everyone for making the trip to our house again this year!

Princess clothes!

Caleb and his pirate ship:

Grandaddy and Elijah:Grandmamma, with Gracie Beth and Caleb:Isabelle in a fairy costume:Caleb getting his very own remote-controlled helicopter and airplane set:

Video: flying the helicopter (click on the start button to watch)

Christmas morning

*(I am still playing catch-up with our blog, so sorry for the belated entries)

This was our first Christmas day that was just us and the kids. It was definitely more laid back and quiet, but it was nice to have the time to spend together. We enjoyed watching the kids' faces light up as they saw the presents under the tree and what Santa had brought them in their stockings. Caleb and Isabelle received a letter from Santa in their stocking, and it was especially fun to watch Caleb's intrigued expression as he listened to what Santa had to say. Since I share my birthday with Christmas each year, Barrett was sweet to offer to cook dinner that evening. I chose a grilled steak meal and he even made homemade red velvet cake for dessert- yummy!

Hair glitter- yeah!

Santa's letter

Opening the big presents: suitcases!

Video: Opening stockings: (click play button to watch)

Caleb got his remote controlled car:

Another doll!

A moment of sweetness...