Pete's Homecoming

So, let's play catch-up...

I didn't tell the kids that Pete was coming home.  They knew he would be home some time during the week, because we had made a countdown calendar.  Honestly, I didn't know he was coming home this day either, until about 48 hours before.  

My friend Tera picked Annie and Cooper up from school, and then Pete and I showed up at her house.  The kids were totally shocked.  I knew Annie would have a perma-grin, and she didn't let me down.

 Then we went to the bus stop to pick Noah up, and although I didn't see his face while on the bus, those who did said that his smile went from ear to ear.

It's been so great having him home, and I swear I will keep updating the blog.

Project 365, Week 47, 48 AND 49

Yes, I am catching up on THREE weeks of 365.  

Things got very busy around here.

Week 47:  The "I'm Thankful" Week

Day 321, November 19

As crazy as they are, I'm thankful that each of these kids are mine.

Day 322, November 20

I'm thankful that my kids enjoy one-on-one time with me.  On this particular day, Noah spent some time making faces at me.

 Day 323, November 21

I'm thankful for the very rare nights that I get to soak in a hot bath, accompanied by a candle.

 Day 324, November 22

I'm thankful for hand-me-downs. 

Each of these pairs of boots were handed down- whether by an older sibling or a neighbor- and I'm grateful for friends who are willing to give us these gently used items. 

 Day 325, November 23

I'm thankful for my husband.

This was the day he came home from his deployment.  I realize I haven't posted any of those pictures yet; like I said, it's been busy here.

Annie's face had a perma-grin for hours.

 Day 326, November 24

I'm thankful to see this flag.

This flag, in a faded green color instead of the normal red, white and blue means that my husband returned safely from a deployment.

 Day 327, November 25

I'm thankful for amazing neighbors.

This is my neighbor Erick, playing with Annie on Thanksgiving day. My neighbors took such great care of us while Pete was gone, and I pray that I can return the favor.

 Week 48

Day 328, November 26

This isn't a great picture, but I had to document the kids putting all the ornaments up.  Notice how most of the ornaments are all clumped together....

 Day 329, November 27

I love that I have a child old enough to read to his siblings.  It makes story time so much more fun.

 Day 330, November 28

Coop is still such a lightweight at three-years-old that he doesn't quite register on the Wii. 

Pete had to give him a little assistance on the ski jump.

 Day 331, November 29

It's a snow duck.

Duh.

 Day 332, November 30

Occasionally we have some of this in our house....

 Day 333, December 1

Our (free) Christmas tree this year is rather large....

 Day 334, December 2

It's been snowing for days and days and days....

I stuck a ruler in to see how deep it was.  We hit 11 inches in about a day and a half.  

And then we doubled that the next two days.

Week 49

 Day 335, December 3

It's rare that you can actually see Every. Single. Snowflake. 

 Day 336, December 4

The Weiden Christmas Market and a VERY LARGE pyramid.

 Day 337, December 5

Aren't these some of the cutest kids ever?  

 Day 338, December 6

Yes, this picture is terrible.

I just like the look on Annie's face during this spur of the moment tube ride in the road.

 Day 339, December 7

The many, many inches of snow were followed by tons of rain, which made the sheet of snow on our roof slide off and crash into our backyard.  

 Day 340, December 8

I bought some new running shoes a few weeks ago, and Pete liked them so much he bought himself a pair (in men's, of course).   Now we'll be so cute in our matching shoes as we run our first half-marathon in Prague this coming April. 

Day 341, December 9

It's late.

I'm sick.

Enough said.

PhotoStory Friday: Project 365, Week 46

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Day 314, November 12

Ok, I was reaaaally searching for something to take a picture of today. 

I settled on this knob, on the drawer of a cabinet that I was told was from Belgium.  

I don't know if I really believe it, but I'd like to think it's true.

Day 315, November 13

I took some family photos today.

These two are of no relation at all.

Unless you count being 'connected at the hip' as related.

Yep, they're Best Friends.

Day 316, November 14

I took some more family photos today. 

Actually, I took photos of two brothers AND a single little girl... but not together.

This is Jayce, the youngest of the brothers. 

Don't let this angel face deceive you.  He has wild running through his veins.

Day 317, November 15

I haven't bought coke in almost seven months.....

This can only mean one thing....

PETE IS ON HIS WAY HOME!!!!

Day 318, November 16

I donated blood today.  They almost wouldn't let me because I was borderline anemic (which I always am, they just pointed it out this time).  I don't mind being bruised in the arm for a few days, and the huge needle doesn't bother me.  

But the stupid little prick on my finger didn't stop bleeding for hours.  At one point, while at the grocery store, I had to grab a box of Hello Kitty band-aids, open it up and stick one on my finger.

I promise I bought the box of band-aids.

Day 319, November 17

We went to a birthday party tonight for a friend at school.  There were about 20 kids, and 

a WHOLE LOTTA chaos.  But they had a great time.

Day 320, November 18

This is what happens when you put a plastic bowl on a hot burner.

Take note.

PhotoStory Friday: Project 365, Week 45

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Day 307, November 5

The Rogers Family. 

Aren't they cute?

We actually got quite a few shots with baby Cade smiling (at his aunt Hannah who was standing behind me), but this is one of my favorites.

Day 308, November 6

Remember these things?

For some reason I thought they were extinct... the toys, not the dinosaurs.

My kids thought these were the most amazing things ever.

I'm not sure why, but when I see these little things, I think of Bear Lake... can anyone tell me why?

Day 309, November 7

Just the boys, hanging out, watching TV.

Day 310, November 8

I took Cooper in for a haircut today- he was starting to  look like Shaggy from Scooby-Doo.  

This isn't the best shot, but when he gets his haircut, he spends the entire time making faces at himself in the mirror.

I guess it's better than screaming...

Day 311, November 9

I went out for a family shoot and totally chased the light.

I FAILED.

We are re-shooting tomorrow.

So I took this on my drive home.  

Day 312, November 10

These yummy pumpkin muffins have a delicious surprise in the middle:

Cream Cheese.

Here's the recipe.

Day 313, November 11

Tonight was the annual Lanternfest at Annie and Cooper's kindergarten.  Each child makes a lantern, and the walks with their family in a parade when it gets dark.   We had a great time; the kids have been looking forward to it all week long.  

I wish Pete could have been here for it.

And on that note, today is Veterans Day.  I am always grateful on this day, but today I am especially grateful.  

My husband is on his way home from Afghanistan right now.  He won't be home for a few weeks, but there is a light at the end of this deployment tunnel.  And we can't wait for him to get home!

Mike and Melisa