Super Date Night

This weekend we got to get away, get all fancy, and have some adult conversation!!! We got to go to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball!!! Richmond or Bust, Baby!!!

 What a great night we had! I think this is actually the first ball I have been to that I actually knew the people we sat with!

I got to meet several of J's Marines and listen to their stories and experiences, got to meet some of there lovely wives/girlfriends, and put names with faces!

The night was long... but I think I heard someone say there were 2900 people at the Ball. So we had some waiting to do while people got drinks or took bathroom breaks! The guest of honor gave a good speech and by the time that was all done we were ready to EAT!!!

It was really a lot of fun! And because I was having such a good time I forgot about my camera... oops! I got two pictures, it is what it is!

I am not totally in love with that picture though ->
Bad lighting + crappy camera + awkward pose = ick! Oh well!

I would like to say how lucky I am to be able to stand next to this man and call him mine! I am so proud of all he does for us and our country. He is an amazing Father, Husband, and Marine!

I am also thankful for wonderful friends who allowed us to enjoy this evening worry free!




This world of the military has been an eye-opening experience for me! I was not raised in a military family and didn't even know anyone who served except for my grandpa during WWII but he never talked about that! I can say that it has changed my views on several issues and made me feel pride I have not ever experienced (watching J come off those buses, giving birth without my partner, just a few examples) and it has taught me to enjoy EVERY single moment we are given on this earth. I am thankful for the sacrifices these men and women make everyday without even thinking twice. I am proud to be apart of such an amazing group of spouses, they have taught me so much. And finally just a few days early...

Happy Birthday Marines!!! 

Let's play catch...

Up that is!!! Its been awhile since I actually have written anything so today is a catch up day! (I actually have written a couple of post but they are just sitting there unpublished b/c I am worried it will hurt someone very dear to me)

Anyway, I would first like to say Happy Birthday to my wonderful Maw-Maw!!! She is the best grandma a girl could ask for and I hope she has an amazing day because she deserves the best!!!

It has been a cRaZy couple of months and it doesn't feel like it should be November already, I think September and October just melded into one month this year!!! We had a few weeks in there with nothing but sickness running through our house.. M first with Strep throat and then N had a double ear infection and then J got Strep throat! J had to defer the Marathon until next year and was super bummed about that but he needed to recover! He did get to run the Tough Mudder and had an absolute blast!!!

This is BORING... so maybe lets do some pics!!!

I joined a softball team... that's me getting in some batting practice!

We went to a local pumpkin patch and it poured on us... didn't even get to go to the pumpkin patch, just grabbed some pumpkins from the pile and ran for cover :) But we had a great time! 

Tough Mudder "Team Tank" 10 Miles through obstacles and up ski slopes and they are still smiling... they actually jumped into a tank of ice water!!! 

Can you see his smile? This right after getting electrocuted!!! 

And finally Halloween!!! A great night for all involved! We went through 5 large bags of candy in less than 2 hours and my kids brought back their  fair share!!! 

In uniform, not because he wanted to be but because he had to go back to work... THANK YOU Major R for letting J come be with us  for a bit!!! 

M really wasn't feeling the whole picture time so thats why there isn't one with her and J and we just happened to get her looking in the last one but the 10 he took before this she had her "beak" buried in my shoulder!!! 

And since it is Thursday...