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 :)

Watch Out, World!

Yes, it is true- our son is officially dangerous!

He has been trying to walk the past two weeks or so, but no cigar. However, within the past two days he has been on fire. I have noticed that if he spies something or is really on a mission to get somewhere, he crawls. Walking, however, seems to be quite fun in his mind. In mine, well, let's just say I panic every time because he sways a bit too much for my comfort.

I caught this tonight while he was playing before going to bed, but it is a rather short trip for his normal walks. He has walked the length of the kitchen before spying something and dropping to his tush to get there faster. Today the toy of choice was one of my spatulas, if anyone is interested :)

When he sees the camera, walking is no longer foremost on his mind. I will continue to try and get a longer trip out of him though so you can all see just how big my little man is getting!

Behold! A New Post!

Yes, I am in fact alive. Thank you all for being so concerned ;)

Forgive me for being remiss in keeping this blog updated; last week our church had VBS and I was busy keeping track of 6th graders. Not an easy feat, I assure you. It was a week of fun, laughter, frustration, awareness, and all around gratitude for the opportunity to participate. A post will come later once I upload pictures and whatnot.

In the meantime, Aidan and I have been keeping busy making a mess of our house, trying to stay cool,learning what does and does not belong in our mouths, and discovering all the fun ways tupperware can entertain us for hours on end. There are a lot of ways, I promise!

While I go join my son in the tupperware fun and moan about the mess I have to clean up tonight, I leave with some photos sure to bring a smile on your face.

Oh, and an update on Eric: He remains in Florida, and I have heard nothing from him since arriving there. The humidity is high, and I'm thinking spirits are low as they have been at this craziness for quite awhile now. Prayers are again appreciated, and letters too! I will hopefully be hearing from him the on the 1st for news of pass or fail so that Aidan and I can head down south to see that handsome husband of mine. It's been far too long. Please continue to pray for me as I work to stay strong for this family, continually reminding Aidan of his papa and how much he is loved.

And now, for some joy:

Aidan stayed in the nursery during VBS, and while all other kids played and yelled and screamed bloody murder, my son found a little time to take a nap :)

We're attempting to learn the use of silverware. So far, I think the consensus is that hands are much more useful at putting foods in or around our mouths. It may be hard to believe, but most of the food did in fact end up in Aidan's mouth!

Busted

Remember when I mentioned toilet paper as being one of Aidan's new favorite things?

Consider yourself caught, little man!