Waiting for Daddy to arrive for R&R: Feb 2010

After a day and a half of delays - The girls anxiously await his plane to pull up. (he arrived at 11:00PM - hence, Ashton's jammies...can't really explain Alyssa's outfit - she insists on dressing herself).

There were about 30+ soldiers on this plane coming home for R&R - Ashton saw Daddy before I even did. (He's just coming through the door in this photo). There was about 6 of us wives with all of our kids at 11:00pm waiting for our guys - lots of tears and hugging/kissing going on at this terminal! xoxoxox

Finally! Alyssa jumped on him and Ashton wouldn't stop saying "DaDa" and pointing at him. (getting teary eyed again while I type this...it was too precious)

"Ready? Okay!"

Getting ready to head out and make the "spirit tunnel" for the players to run under. Not sure what the face is for...please don't tell me "cheerleader rivalry" is starting already?! (help me Rhonda)

The "spirit tunnel!" Goooo Upward!

The 5/6 year old Cheerleading squad - named The Rubies. Alyssa is third from the left and Paige is second from the right. They are too too cute when the are out on the floor cheering and they both LOVE it!

Christmas 2009 & Disneyland 2010

Christmas Morning! Alyssa was very excited to see that Santa had found us in Palm Desert! Ashton enjoyed the wrapping paper way more than the actual presents...I'm sure next year will be complete chaos! :)

The last weekend we were in CA, Mom and Dad took us to Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland. Ashton LOVED the Disneyland Parade! I had to run out and grab her multiple times, because she wanted to part of it. Wish I would have video-taped her reaction to "It's a Small World" - too precious!

Alyssa really wanted to go on the Tea-cup ride, but that ride literally makes me ill - so thankfully, Poppa went with her.

We went through Mickey's house in ToonTown and he was actually home! Alyssa & I were much more excited to meet him than Ashton...she wasn't real crazy about any of the characters we ran into. She's trying to wriggle out of my arms, but I was determined to get this picture...classic. :)

Thanksgiving 2009

We enjoyed a very delicious Thanksgiving at Nikki & Rob's this year. This was the "kid's table" (minus the 2 babies that were also there).

Ashton thoroughly enjoyed her Turkey Day dinner. Some even made it in her mouth! I think the cranberries were her favorite...just like her Daddy!

Still Crafting...

Finally getting some crafts finished that have been "lingering" in my thoughts (and closet!). Made my BFF a true cork board. I only used the ultra-chic "3 buck Chuck" (aka Charles Shaw from Trader Joes) wine corks. And for those of you who may not be familiar with it, YES! it only costs $3 a bottle. It's the tastiest $3 for sure! But just to prove that we do have a wee bit of class, I did put a Luzon & Clos Du Bois wine cork in the middle - we're not cheap ALL the time...just most of it. :)

"She's Crafty!..."

The blank wooden letters were my Mother's Day gift when I was pregnant with Ashton - it was Jason's way of telling me he was going to "let me" name her that. (what a guy, eh?) I thought it was a very sweet gift, however, I just finally got around to painting them - with some "help" from Alyssa of course. I can never do crafts without her right by my side begging to help out. As soon as they are dry they will be up on Ash's bedroom wall - though I'm pretty sure she'd know what her name is without them...but they turned out cute, eh?! :)

Iraq - November 2009

1SG Evershed and CPT Connor - posing with all of their stylin' gear on! Wow...glad I didn't meet him looking like this! ;) Sooo just kidding Jay! Looking good.

Charlie Company guys posing for a photo after a mission. (Jay is on the far left) - he's already lost too much weight if you ask me. Hard not to smile when they're all smiling, eh? :)
Love you Jay!