Charlemagne Puppet Show

In history, we were learning about Charlemagne and decided to make it a little more fun we would turn the people and what we learned about into a puppet show.

The kids read books form the library, made scenery backgrounds, puppets, and came up with their own script.  It was fun and hopefully educational!!

Logan's legs can be seen through the window hole, he was Dilon's assistant.

Quick Visit from Dad

A few weekends ago Matt surprised us with a visit because he did not have any training.  The reason he did not have training was because Matt was trying to join my broken foot club.  Side note, two months ago I feel down our steps holding Logan and broke my foot.  Matt has a stress fracture.  We didn't do much, just enjoyed having Matt in the house.  The kids and I miss him so much and loved his surprise!  My dishwasher even decided to spring a leak and spill water all over the kitchen floor while he was at home and I have to admit I loved the feeling of yelling up the stairs, "Matthew!!!"  I have had two other leaks...washing machine and bathroom upstairs while he has been gone, so it was nice to have one that he could help me fix.

Hugs and kisses before he goes.  Logan was inside, he does not like good-byes and wanted to just watch his movie.  Dad slipped a squeeze and a see you later.

I also took a picture of our matching boots for our matching broken left feet!

Little cliche remarks came to mind like:

• matching pair
• match made in heaven
• two of a kind
• two peas in a pod

Beirut and Vietnam Veterans Memorial

In Jacksonville, NC, where it is said there is not much to do (if you don't want to go shopping or eating), I found coming back from getting my handicap parking pass, the Beirut and Vietnam Memorial.  So, I decided to take the kids one afternoon and explore!

It was a great memorial!  We started with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

It was a little sunny, but they were quick to want to take a picture in front of the USMC emblem!

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Little break in the shade.

The next thing we saw, I didn't expect and didn't realize that is was there.  It is a beam from the World Trade Towers, and now as I think about it, it took me back to see this 8 foot section of a beam that came from those towers.  It hit me how much that beam reminded me of...the people in the towers, those that went in to help, and the military actions that were set in motion that day.  I stood there for a moment as I marveled at how much emotion an 8 foot metal beam could invoke!  It stands as a good reminder to us all!

There was also a Beirut Memorial.  I was not as familiar with what happened in Beirut, but learned a little that day.

Matt's Promotion!!

This past weekend the kids, Janna, and I, went to Quantico for Matt's Promotion to Warrant Officer (WO1)!  We headed up that way on Tuesday, and only got a glimpse of Matt before he had to head off to a meeting, but enjoyed a delicious dinner and wonderful company at a friends home; Becky, Kevin, Owen, Reese, and Keira!  Our kids match up almost perfectly in age and get along so well, and so do the parents:)!

What a bunch of cuties (minus Jodie, she was tired and done)!

The next morning was the big event!!  At 9:15 we had Matt's promotion to Warrant Officer.  It was a wonderful ceremony.  Col. Beim led the promotion and Matt's good friend SSgt Ashton read the parchment.  Then Logan, with the help of Gran, and I, with the help of Jodie, pinned him on.  Dilon did his promotion as SSgt and Logan did his for WO1.  Jodie will do the next one! Greg and his other coworkers from the Pentagon got him his officer sword.  It was beautiful and was such a wonderful, thoughtful gift!! 

Many good friends came to share the day...some Matt worked with at the Pentagon and some friends we made while in Virginia; the Schrubb's and Hatch's! It was wonderful and made the day so much more special.

Matt then gave a wonderful speech!  I got a tear in my eye, or two, or three...:)

Congratulations Matthew!

Last minute instructions/encouragement! Logan did great!

Removing of the old rank.

Greg (SSgt Ashton) giving Matt the sword.

Adding of the new rank.

Matt's speech.

 There is also the tradition of the first salute...

Matt and Greg!

We also were able to spend time with the Hatch's...our kiddos loved playing again!  Our trip was finished up by a wonderful dinner at the Schrubb's with Greg and Sabrina!

We had such a good time. We had been missing Matthew and was glad to see him!

Two Days Before Christmas!

 Everyone has been saying how crazy this weather is, and it is!!     Because, today, 2 days before Christmas, we went to the beach!  It was beautiful, and with a light jacket it felt great.  Unless, of course, you are Logan and decided to jump in...that was a little chilly!

 

 
It was fun to have Uncle Bubby and Grandmama here with us!  The boys loved wrestling with Bubby!

Santa Pics

 At the exchange on base they had free photos with Santa, so we took the kiddos up and had their picture taken.  I hadn't planned on being in the shot, but you can see Jodie's feelings on the event!

Had to add these two, because Jodie is not joking about not wanting to be there taking a picture with Santa.

In our local Sneads Ferry Community they have for the past four years gone Hayride Christmas Caroling in a local neighborhood.  We joined them last night and had so much fun.  We snuggled down in the hay, layered in coats, hats and scarfs, and covered in blankets...it was a little chilly on the outside, but felt really good!  Then the night was topped off with hot chocolate sprinkled with marshmallows. The kids say they are ready to go again!

Thanksgiving Skit

For Thanksgiving this year the kids and I decided to do a little skit of the first Thanksgving (Celebration)! They helped me write it, made hats and vests for costumes, set up props, and painted a background scenery. We then invited Gavin and his family to come join us. Dilon was our narrator/Indian, Logan was "green" King Massoit (check pics below :)), Gavin was Squanto, and Matt and Alex played pilgrims.

They enjoyed it so much and hopefully learned the story, more so, from acting it out!

Sorry, the pictures are not very good.  I assumed the role of director and spent time practicing with the kids while the light was good and ended up taking pictures once it got dark! It is o.k, though, we had a great time!

Our Cast.

You should of seen my bathroom:)