DC part 2

When we got off the airplane on Saturday morning I heard clapping around me, and looked to see what was going on.  I quickly noticed a group of older men in wheelchairs wearing WWII veteran hats.  That alone gave me chills.  Then as we were walking to the baggage claim I heard a band playing all the armed service hymn songs.  Aaron and I both had tears in our eyes, as we were indeed proud to be an American, and we were so grateful that these men sacrificed so much for our freedom.  Aaron informed me that there are honor flight programs that give WWII vets the opportunity to fly in and see the WWII memorial.  How cool is that?  I was moved, and had to get my camera out to take some pics.

My plan on Sunday was to wake up early and take some pics of the monuments, and memorials before the tourists arrived.  Well, Jenny got up early with me, and took me around to some of the places, but it was raining too hard to get the pics at that time.  So later that morning after breakfast we all went to the Washington monument, WWII memorial, and the Lincoln.  I didn't get the shots I envisioned getting because of all those darn tourist!  Oh, well!  As Avery would say...."You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit."

DC part 1 (Chad and Jenny's engagement party)

This past weekend we went to DC for Aaron's cousin Chad's engagement party.  He is marrying a wonderful girl, she is sweet, caring, and fun (love you Jenny)!  Her sister Beth hosted the event at her lovely house.  Of course I brought my camera just to try to take a few pics.  I was so mad when I realized I didn't get a picture of Jenny with her mom (so sorry Jenny), I am still irritated about that.  Here are some snap shots I took. 

 Below are some pics of Chad, Jenny, and others

 Here are some kid pics

Some other family members of Aaron and Chad came also.  Michael and Emily drove down from Maine, and Aunt Jacqueline was in town visiting Rex and Amy who just had a set of twin girls.  Below this pic are some precious pics of the twins

Here are pics of some of the guests

And finally what would it be without a few outtake pics.  My favorite is the one of the little baby sticking his hand down the lady's shirt, they start them young now days.  Look at the smile on his face.....Classic!

My Cowboy

He has my heart... all of it!

He's my little man, what else can I say?

Except that I am 

in love with this cowboy!

First time on the gator

Yesterday evening after Amelia and I settled our headband debate, she became fixated on Deacon's gator.  She was super duper excited when we let her get in the gator and ride shot gun.  She thought she was hot stuff.

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This is how I positioned her to ride so she wouldn't fall out.  And of course the gear was in 1st.  Deacon wanted her out because 1st gear is "too slow and boring!"

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I have to throw in a pic of my little model.  She is always coming up with poses for the camera, and asks "How about this mommy?  Does this look good?"  Then if I agree, she says "Good then go get your camera and take a picture."

Battle of the headband

About a month ago Amelia decided to ban headbands.  So, being the hardcore mother that I am, I have decided that she needs to be "trained" to wear them.  After all, we don't want her going around looking like a boy do we?  Every morning I try to remember to put one in her, and it is a constant battle to keep it on her head.  I decided to visually document the battle this evening.

Here is the first thing she did, pull it down.

I pulled it back up, she was sidetracked by the phone, and forgot it was in.

Aw, she remembered, and pulled it back down

"Don't you get it mom, I don't want this silly thing on my head."

I then pulled it back up....."I told you I don't like it."

 

If that face wasn't pathetic enough look at the next pic.  You would have thought that I really hurt her.

"Fine mom!  You win this time."

Aw the struggles of motherhood!

Photographer in the making

Last week Avery got a hold of my point and shoot camera, and started shooting away.  She was a fast learner on how to operate it, and is now wanting her own camera for her birthday (we'll see about that).  I, of course had to take pictures of her taking pictures.

Here's one of Avery taking a picture of me taking a picture of her.

 And just for kicks, I had to put one of this handsome boy in there.

Semper Fi

Semper Fidelis:  "Always Faithful"

Saturday night Aaron and I went with some Marine friends and their wives to attend a fellow Marine's(Keith Pigg) wedding reception.  I have known these men for approximately 14 years.  If you have ever spent any time with a group of Marines, you may have witnessed certain traits and communication styles that can be viewed as abrasive.  However, I've been told these are the same characteristics that allow them to be decisive and communicate deliberately when in the heat of battle.  This group is no different.  Those in this group that embody those traits; I say grow on you like fungus, and they tend to agree.  That is what I love about them though, they are what they are; they don't try to pretend to be something that they are not. 

What I've learned is that this group fully lives by the Marine Corps motto "Semper Fidelis".  You know that each one of them would have your back at any time with the snap of a finger.  As an example, many of them never knew Aaron's dad, but when he passed away in 2004, they drove hours to attend his visitation.   Most people that attend visitations pay their respects and leave.  One of these Marines, in particular, had to drive 2+ hours one-way.  He paid his respects and then sat quietly in the back row by himself until the visitation came to an end (3+ hours), in order to just be there for us.  That spoke volumes to me, and I could tear up just thinking about it.  (For those in this picture that couldn't attend the visitation because your were fighting for our freedom - Thank you for risking your lives for us.)  For all they've done over the years, each one of them will always have a special place in my heart.
 I ran across this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, and I just have to share it.

“The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!” 

Here are some fun pics from Keith and Loren Pigg's wedding.  Unfortunately we didn't get a pic of Lauren and Pigg together & the only pic of Loren I got was too fuzzy. = (   These pics were taken with my point and shoot camera, so the quality isn't great, and the red eye frustrates me.  Oh well.

CONGRATULATIONS KEITH & LOREN!!!

 

These are the marines (the groom, Pigg is the one second from the left), and the bottom pic are the wives

Here are the couple pics, minus the bride and groom

Funny stories are always told at a Marine get together, I was so glad to have caught Rob's expression on his face while telling the story.  As you can see the guys were really into the story.

Here are some group shots.  There is a story behind one of them, but that's for another time

As always it was a great time just catching up and hanging out with everyone.  Love you all, and so glad you all are a part of our lives.

Semper Fidelis

Love,

Sarah