Growing

Sometimes I forget how much the boys have grown. Then I put in my memory card and pull up pictures like these:

Several people have commented to me about the boys height lately. I'm seeing it too, just not quite as much as everyone else, I'm sure.

Every now and then there's a moment where I look at them and realize that even though it's so easy to get wrapped up in the day in/day out details and frustrations of raising these two boys, they're growing up.
Pardon me while I go cry for a while...

Keeping Busy

Phil is gone on his last training trip before the deployment. Honestly, we're trying to not think too much about that part. We're really missing him this time so we're doing our best to keep busy and distracted.

We headed out to take advantage of the military free days at the Virginia Air and Space Center. We dragged our friend, Adri, along as well.

It was just what the doctor ordered.

I'm thinking Josh's days as a pilot are far ahead of him. That area off to the left... that is the ground.

We had a pretty good time distracting ourselves overall and learning a little bit along the way.

We also stopped by and caught a new movie that we fell in love with! Go see "How to Train Your Dragon." It's great!

This is Dan the Dragon who came out before our movie started to entertain the kiddos. I think Adri and I thought he was a lot funnier than the boys did. The guy in the suit was having a rough time. I hope he gets a bonus for walking around in this thing!

Counting Down

Sorry I've been slow to update about us since Joshua's birthday but between several bouts of illness running through the house and realizing over and over the shortness of time we have before the deployment coming up the few free days we've had we've been trying to just enjoy our time together.

 I was looking through pictures since I posted last and found this fun little excursion the boys and I took earlier this month. I was dying to go to the beach even though it was still pretty cold.

Since then it's warmed up considerably. Maybe another trip to the beach is in order!

We were here for sunset this day and a little late for dinner, honestly, but I think it was worth it.

It was a really beautiful day!

Joshua is 6!

Joshua just turned 6 last week. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the celebration. This is Josh with his breakfast in bed. It is one of our traditions. The candle was added a couple years ago and now it's the most memorable part!

Of course, the other brother enjoys this tradition as well... even if the candle isn't for him on this particular day.

They always get to pick a few special things to do on their birthday. Every time it's Chuck E Cheese. I'm not a big fan of the place but the boys are, so 2 times a year I give in. They have a BLAST!

Then off to the Skinny Dip (our new favorite local frozen yogurt place) for a treat before heading home to play Mario Kart and wait for Saturday.

Saturday was Joshua's Mario-themed birthday party. Here are our friends Jim and Laura looking a lot like Mario and Luigi...

We had fun with some balloons and played a couple games.

He had a great time! He even was able to have his Aunt, some cousins and Grammy here for his party.
As far as presents go, he made out like a bandit! So many great toys! We still have some to open. I think it's a little more fun that way. His favorite? He got a DS this year and he is still really excited about it!

Happy birthday, Big Boy!! We love you in ridiculous amounts!