This AM as we headed out to church in the single digit temps fully knowing we were under a lake effect storm watch we decided to take the kids swimming a the YMCA. So after a full morning of church and children's worship we took the kids to Subway and then to swim. We had a great time in the heated pool. By the time we got back in the Jeep and dusted the 4 inches of snow that accumulated in less that 2 hours Logan feel fast asleep shortly after we started the slow journey home. I don't think Carthage saw as much as Fort Drum but the storm totals were around 22 inches that day!!

Thousand Island Winery

This last Saturday Matt and I had a chance to visit a local winery with some friends. We had such a great time sampling some yummy wines and laughing with a great couple. The day ended early after picked the kids up from care and brought them home to pizza and later ordered Italian for us:)

Bronze Star

This morning I was able to watch Matt receive his Bronze Star. How incredibly proud of him I am!! It was a great morning to share this moment with him. We then took a little time to ourselves and enjoyed a quite lunch sans the kids before he had to return to work and I did what any mom without kids in tote would do, I went grocery shopping:)

We Sold Our House

So Many memories in this home. It is hard to believe it is coming to a end. We have been here for almost 3 1/2 years and have truly enjoyed (most) minutes. From the moment Matt came home from his 1st Afghanistan deployment and was quickly welcomed with 40 inches of snow in one weekend, to bringing our Son home, the many memories we have made with great friends in this gorgeous back yard, to the memories we will hold close as we welcomed Matt home from his 3rd deployment oversees. It has been a great ride. While I am getting nervous and anxious about the next month, we will close this chapter and move onto the next. Which will be bigger and better because we will be together!!!

Our big boy

Today we decided to go ahead and make the switch from the crib to the big boy bed. Logan helped (watched) Daddy take apart the crib and set up the CARS bed. He was so excited and I am super proud to report we did not have any major problems tonight. He came out of the room once and it did take about an hour to fall asleep but he did it on his own without creating a lot of noise and stress on us:) So proud!!

8

The last few days we have really noticed how much Logan's vocabulary has improved. Not only is he learning the every day words we use but he is picking up on things I did not expect. Out of no where the other day I heard Emma counting with Logan and he was repeating her!!!

This morning Logan had a chance to do a little cuddling and reading with Daddy and I quickly grabbed the camera to get a video of him counting.

This is Logan pulling a normal not getting his way move. He wanted the camera and when I said no he threw his self down. And once he is in this mood not only does he not want to hear my voice but he thinks the world should stop as well.

Emma Reading

Emma has really taken to reading. The teacher sends home these adorable "picture" books that Emma really understands. She is so proud of herself!!

Busy Busy

I am realizing i am not so good at taking pictures and videos now that Matt is home. But we are also staying super busy and enjoying all the extra time we have with Daddy.

This last week we interviewed a Real Estate Agent to get the house on the market. Looks like we should be getting it on the market this next week. I am really excited that aside from a little painting and small jobs there is nothing major that needs to be done in order to sell the house. I will pray we sell it quickly. Houses are moving in about 100 days these days and we hope to move as a family at the end of May to Georgia.

Matt is doing well as he is readjusting to living on American Soil. He has a pretty easy schedule at work and has more days off than days on. Unfortunately, that means long hours and stressful days when he is there.

We are looking forward to our first overnight trip with no kids this weekend. I continue to adjust to Matt being home. I struggle with control and am challenged with this. Matt is very supportive and he helping me realize I don't have to do everything. I still find my stress relief with my 0530 exercise and my afternoon walk/runs on the treadmill.

Emma is doing very well in school. She is ready now, totally amazes me. She loves school and is enjoying having Daddy home as well.

Logan is all boy and rowdy as ever. He really enjoys picking on his sister and doing anything that could possibly annoy her. Like taking away her cups and pulling gently on her hair when she is not looking.

I will do better about updating the blog.

Sledding Fun

Matt had the great idea to take us sledding today. So we bundled ourselves up for the 8 degrees it was and headed down the hill. We had such a blast flying down the hill at the local park. By the time we made it 5 times Logan was done and wanted to come home to hot chocolate and cookies:)

Family World Fun

This last year one of the family Chinese Buffets changed their restaurant into to a family fun place. After many thoughts to go there we finally made it and the kids had a blast. They had a way cool indoor playground and then coin machines similar to chuck e cheese. (But not at all like chuck e cheese).

Christmas gifts for Grandma Barbara

We gave Grandma Barbara a late Christmas Present. Emma was so excited to explain who the people were in the pictures:)

Rose Bowl In Erie

We had so much fun watching the Duck Game in Erie with Matt's Grandmother, Aunt, and Cousins. We brought wings and meatballs and Aunt Judith had a large bowl of dip and chips and we watched the game as we stuffed ourselves. The kids really had a blast seeing their cousins.