Canada, Eh?

After eating and sleeping lots upon his return from Ranger school, I quickly learned what my husband really really wanted: a cruise sans baby. We have missed every anniversary since being married, and have been apart almost as much as together this past year. With a baby added into the mix, we have sorely missed some husband wife lovin time. And so that is what we did. Within days of planning, we had booked a cruise, dropped the munchkin off in Philadelphia, and boarded a pretty big ship to head north.

It was a truly amazing time. I don't think we knew just how much we had missed one another. I have been blessed with truly one of the best guys out there, and this past week was such a reminder to me. My joy and love for Eric has grown more and more since we've been married, and this cruise has only served to deepen my relationship with him. Forgive the deluge of pictures, but here are a few favorites. I'm sure more will be on facebook soon.

We were excited to say goodbye to noisy New York City...

And hello to breakfast with a view.

There were lots of fun times on board- playing pingpong, sleeping late, listening to comedians late into the night, having your choice of musicians in various rooms, dancing at 1 am, eating every hour on the hour, going down the (freezing cold!) waterslide, watching for dolphins and whales, on and on. We even played bingo and won! Thanks to my lucky hubby :)

We explored two cities in Canada, and greatly enjoyed them. We walked all around the towns exploring the architecture, history, food and beer of the place. We left each place quite satisfied :)

It really was an amazing time on and off the ship. It was much needed for Eric and I, and a memory that won't soon be forgotten. And of course we're already wishing we could do another one, like, tomorrow!

Oh, and in case you were wondering, we didn't have ALL fun times on our vacation. There were some serious thinking moments :)

Aidan seemed to have a good time too. He even learned how to write and leave us a message upon our return! Thankfully, he came home sooner than his Poppi's original plans.

A True Classic

Nifty Fifties. A place that will always be near and dear to our hearts, and make us always walk out regretting whatever we just ate. And yet, Eric and I continually go back every chance we get.

Once Eric finished Ranger School and knew we would be heading up to Philly, he knew we needed another Fifties vist, baby in tow. I mean, come on, why not introduce Aidan to one of the greatest, nosiest, greasiest places in the world? No, he did not have a milkshake. He can have one when he's older. A lot older.

Aidan was a bit unsure of all the hype this restaraut was bringing, but he soon found out just how great this place is.

A very happy and full family of fatties.

Isn't he the Cutest??

Then vote for him!!!

I was bored one night, and was reading through some old emails and saw an advertisement for a cute baby picture contest. Aidan is a cutie, and so I entered him. He is in the running!

The voting is for this week only- it ends the 7th. I have included the link to vote at the bottom of the page. You can vote once a day, every day this week. Will you help us win this?


http://photos.parents.com/category/vote/photo/1000925

Thursday Can't Come Soon Enough...

Because I'll finally be able to see my husband after being apart for so long!

This is the scene I look at every time I cook, wash dishes, prepare my or Aidan's dinner, do pretty much anything in the kitchen. The word RANGER along with the plastic soldiers is a mental reminder to pray for my husband as he continuously battles day in and day out, hour after hour, to complete this training course to get a Ranger tab.

It was a volunteer course; one Eric did not have to do. It's not exactly something you eagerly sign up for. It is at least two months of hardcore training, sleepless nights, little food, physical and mental challenges that you can't even dream of. To complete Ranger School and get that Ranger tab is an honor. It's an honor Eric has wanted for an extremely long time.

Ranger School is split up into 3 phases- two take place in Georgia and are comparative to a desert and then mountain phase. The third is in the swamps of Florida. Little to no sleep is gotten each night, and the men are continuously battling the temptation to just give up and drop. If a soldier does not complete the phase to his instructor's expectations, he must do it again. And again. And again. Some men are there for months just trying to complete.

Eric has determination. He has drive. He has strength and focus. So do so many other good soldiers we know that weren't able to pass each phase the first time through. And yet, those little Ranger soldiers were a reminder to pray that Eric would keep going and push through every step of the way. I had faith that with God's goodness, Eric would pass through and be home with us as soon as he possibly could.

Praise the Lord, I can take down those little soldiers because I am driving to Georgia on Thursday to see my husband and attend his graduation on Friday. During the ceremony, I get to walk up to him and pin on his tab that he worked so hard for and totally deserves. It's been a long two months, but my man is coming home :)