This is a long post and mostly for me.  Feel free to read it if you want! :) This is the first week in a long time I feel like we have some normal rhythm in our family.  I started thinking about how long it has been since I've had this feeling!  Between block leave (and the catchup after being out of town for 3 weeks), half-day schedule, deployment, moving, being "homeless" for 3 months, a broken elbow, unexpected c-section and adjusting to a new baby...goodness! Not that the past 2 years has been a complete mess, but it feels good to be in a regular schedule, knowing that I can get used to Chad being around for a little while!  I won't hold onto this "normal" feeling for long though, as we have another move in about 2 months! A few things that have helped this new rhythm is a few "resolutions" for me.  I'm not a big new years resolutions person, but I have had a few areas of my life that I've felt the need to get in order for a while. ...

While we were in Georgia we had a joint birthday party for Addison and Mya.  Since their birthdays are a week apart, they might be sharing parties more in the future!  I was geared up for a Barbie birthday that Addison had been asking for, but once she saw a Tinkerbell cake pan at the store, she changed her mind.   Mya was pretty agreeable. :)  My mom and I have made a lot of cakes, but this one proved to be a little difficult! Addison, Lilly, Veronica and Gabi had a little pre-party - dressed up as princesses, painting nails, and putting on temporary tatoos.  Tinkerbell ready for the party! When Mya got up from her nap, she had no interest in being Tinkerbell! Tayler opening one of Mya's favorite gifts - gum! With our girls' birthdays so close to Christmas, presents get a little overwhelming.  Chad and I really had no idea what to get Mya.  We came up with the idea to get her a recordable story book and have everyone at the party...

On our way down to Georgia, we made 3 stops, to keep the drive from being too long. We spent one day in Washington D.C.  Our drive into Arlington was quite eventful.  Most parents have heard those faithful words "Mommy, I don't feel so..."  We were literally pulling into the parking lot when Addison apparently got car sick.  With the car loaded down with stuff and not much warning, things got pretty messy...including Chad's new Northface Jacket and iPad.  All we had were wet wipes to clean it all up.  Within a few minutes, she was bouncing around, so we decided to stay, since visiting Arlington was a main reason we wanted to stop in the city.  Unfortunately, we know too many people who have died during our military career.  Two of Chad's friends are buried at Arlington and it was our privilege to visit and pay our respects.  The weather was pretty gross - drizzly rain and humid. We caught a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Un...

We spent the night with Chad's family on Christmas Eve.  Since Christmas was on a Sunday, the plan was church with Chad's parents that morning.  However, Mya woke up with a fever, so her and I stayed home.   Addison dressed to go!  Addison and V after lunch Our brother-in-law David and his brother Jonathan Mr. Marcus This pretty much sums up how Mya was feeling all of Christmas Day. :(  On Monday we celebrated Christmas with my family, beginning with breakfast and gifts at my parents. Lilly's favorite dress up outfit Stocking time! Lilly basically put on every article of clothing she had on at the same time! Then it was time for lunch at Grandmom's!

We celebrated Christmas morning at our house a few days before we left for Georgia.   Love our new stockings!  Got a great deal!! :)  The girls really enjoyed breakfast and watching Polar Express...so much so that it was hard to get them ready to open presents! Stockings Her favorite gift of the day - gum! Not sure why she was crying opening a present! Favorite new slippers - fuzzy socks and slippers in one! Trying on Daddy's new goggles Trying to sample the new bubbles Her two favorite gifts.  She carried them around all day. New hairdryer Chad sporting his new North Face jacket. Pure joy on this child's face when she opened her dog. "Cheese" Very excited about my shop vac!  I can keep our cars clean without standing out in the cold at the car wash! :)