Hello Mother, Hello Father, Greetings from Camp Hiawatha!
Austin had the extremely cool opportunity to go to a 4-H sponsored "Operation Military Kids Camp" this past weekend. It's for all the kids beween 9-13 years old who have a dad who's been deployed over 8 months. With Austin's dad gone 18 months, we definiltey qualified even though we're with State. This camp had 16 boys, 10girls and they stayed in cabins in Front Royal, VA. The camp was 3 days and 2 nights! Austin has never spent the night anywhere in his life, so this was a big step (for mom, not Ausitn). HE did great! Not one phone call the whole weekend! They had campfires, s mores, ropes courses, classes like stress management and anxiety coping skills---things so kids could focus when they get upset their dad is away. Austin felt good knowing he wasn't the only one in this situation. There's another Operation Military Kids camp this summer! Let's go campers!!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
CAMP
My Big 35th Birthday!
My birthday began on December 2, the day before with a special delivery from Amphora Bakery. Duane had sent me a beautiful birthday cake! What a great surprise!!! Then on the morning of, my car was decorated all of the windows "Honk to wish me Happy Birthday" Again a fun surprise by an anonymous friend (although I know who did it!)
For lunch a mimi's cafe brunch with Gina who also shares the Dec 3 bday and Erika. At our Relief Society Christmas Enrichment that night all the ladies sang happy birthday to me. I truly felt special on my birthday! I love birthdays because it's the ONE day that you don't share with the kids or holiday that is truly all YOURS. I take full advantage of this special day. That night Ginger made me a homemade Cafe Rio dinner! DEE LISH! The festivities ended with a bang the following day (yes, my glorious birthdya was spread out over the entire weekend) with a yummy, filling dinner at Maggianos. That's my birthday tradition. Thanks to all of my dear friends and family who made my 35th birthday truly super-special! Love to you all!
Thanksgiving Program
Miss Reedy
Mrs. Frasz
Ashley had a part in the preschool's Thanksgiving Day Program about the Pilgrims and Indians. She loves to be the center of attention. Good job Ash!
Lego my Eggo
Legos, Legos and more legos. Austin is Lego obsessed right now. He loves Lego Star Wars but builds anything. Many times a day.
His recent creation was the Darth Vader Tie Fighter.
Blessing Baby Belle
Dad was with us to celebrate his 65th birthday!
Make a wish Dad! You've been the best Dad/Pop for 65 years. We love you!
My dear friend Jean.
Uncle Rocco and Auntie Mango came down from NY, NY to bless Belle in our ward. Her Dad/stepmom Blaine came from Logan and Mom and Dad up from FL. I'm lucky DC is a nice meeting spot for the East coast! It was wonderful meeting Belle and holding the sweet little sugar plum. I love our new niece and the kids said that Belle was the smallest, cutest cousin they have.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Pop and Grandma and Belle
The kids LOVE wrestling with Pop!!!
Ash's preschool made a tree for Jonathan that we mailed to Baghdad which is now hanging in the Embassy. I handprinted my hands at the top gold as the star, Ash's whole class put their handprints as the tree's branches, and Austin came in to the prek to paint his hands on the trunk-because he's the man of the house and the base of holding us all together. It was wonderful!
Pop and Grandma made their way up from Gainesville Florida over the Nov 15th weekend (and celebrated Austin and Pop's 65th birthday!). We also met our new niece/cousin BELLE! Belle was born in NY, NY and Aaron and Reghan came down to Washington to visit. YAY!!
