Pumpkins and Spiders

We had a great time this weekend carving pumpkins and making spider cookies!

A Fall Party!

Isabella's class had a small Fall Party today, and she had a blast. They played a fun fishing game, one of the student's grandfather played the harmonica, they ate "spider" crackers and had music class. Jack and I had so much fun helping out and watching Isabella interact with all her little friends.

Wir sind zurück nach Deutschland geführt!

Yea! We're headed back to Germany!

While we were in South Carolina Steve received word that we have dates already! It's going to be a crazy year, but well worth it. Right now it looks like Steve will be back in the States the first part of April. We'll be in Texas for two months so that Steve can re-qualify as a pilot, and then it will be on to Arkansas for four months so that he can qualify in the new C-130J. It has been a dream of his to fly this new aircraft. Our report date for Germany is 15 Oct, so this time next year we'll be in Deutschland. Now I just have to get working on my Rosetta Stone German, as Steve thinks we need to know some German this time so that we know what little boys are saying to Isabella.

New C-130J

Are we really home already?

I knew that our 10 days with Steve would go quickly, but I can not believe that we're already "home" and I'm knee deep in laundry. Our time as a family was awesome! I am so thankful that Steve had the chance to come back to the States. It is wonderful to think that the longest part of our separation is now over with and in a few short months Steve will be back home on R&R, and then a few short months after that we will be back together for good (or at least until the next deployment).

We spent the first week in Sumter where Steve worked with his Stateside counterparts on stuff...I really have no idea what he does right now. :) The kids and I had fun at the hotel, watching lots of movies, playing at the pool and generally just goofing off. When Steve's week at Shaw AFB was done we headed to Charleston, where my parents met up with us. It was great having Nana and Poppy around so that Steve and I could go out on our own some. We had some delicious low-country cuisine, and loved looking at all of the beautiful architecture.


It's amazing what Daddy lets you do...



When he hasn't seen you in 6 months. (She's wearing what she calls her "leadership" hat. I have no idea why she calls it that.)



Wrestling....



one of the things Bella couldn't wait to do with Daddy!



Back as a family.



Daddy eating a low-country favorite...Shrimp 'n Grits.



Jack wondering where his meal is at.



Bella and Daddy walking along the pier on Bay Street.



And goofing off.



Yes there are proud Texans...



even in South Carolina.



Walking around Meeting Street and King Street.



Bella loved finding this park!



Fort Sumter



Home to one of my first favorite "house flipping" shows...



Trademark Properties.

Some of the beautiful homes, architecture, gardens and churches.

The morning that we said "see you soon."

Just being a family of four!

I love it! I love being a family of four...even for just a short time. What a true blessing this time with Daddy has been. From the minute that Isabella and Jack saw their Daddy it has been magical. To be honest I wasn't sure how Jack would react. I wasn't sure if he'd be shy, cry, I really didn't know. I'm not sure if it has been all the skyping we've done, or just God's hand on our family, but Jack and Daddy have been nothing but a great Father/Son combination...including a few "no's" and "don't do that" thrown in. Isabella is such a Daddy's girl. Before we came to visit I asked her what she was looking forward to most. Her answer was wrestling and tickling. There has been plenty of that, with an abundance of giggles!

I don't have any pictures to post yet. I've been too busy smiling. Now that Nana and Poppy are joining us for a quick trip to Charleston before Daddy heads back I'm sure that Poppy will take hundreds of pictures.

Thank you to everyone who has wished us well on our wonderful 15 day visit! Please pray as we have to say our "goodbyes" in a few short days.