All around THANKFUL!!!

All things considered, our 1600 mile drive from VA to TX went fairly well. Our first stop was at Samaritan's Purse in Boone, NC...AMAZING people and organization. We also had a chance to visit some friends in Atlanta (no picture though) and spent an extra day in Pensacola at the aviation museum and beach.

Kingsville, TX is the home of 25K people living in about 14 square miles. We see LOTS of farm animals (cows, donkeys, goats, zebras, horses) and cotton fields. The people here are extremely kind. We feel very blessed to be living in a small, quiet neighborhood on a big piece of property. The house is great and it is slowly feeling more like home.

The children seem to be adjusting fairly well. We've had a few setbacks, but nothing major and we're thankful for that. Although he doesn't show it at all during the day, Law is probably the most stressed. He started walking and talking in his sleep one night at the hotel. Generally, we figure it out when we go in to see why Ford is crying (because Law has woken him up) and find Law stomping around the room loudly proclaiming 'that he's looking for, that he's looking for' or just talking jibberish! Nothing from him these past two nights, so maybe he's settled in.

The gang with Scott Sunday afternoon.

Serious business....
Horsing around!
Feven lost her FIRST tooth! We were all surprised. No one knew it was loose!
Feeding the neighbors...this is the view out of the front door. The neighbor's horses graze on the unkept part of our rental property.
A group of 4 wild turkeys live in the neighborhood.
Helpful...
Silly!
Cute...both of them.

Enjoying the aviation museum.

Can't get enough of the pool.

Some critters, this Jersey girl can't quite get used to. This mouse and scorpion were pulled out of the pool skimmer. The snake at the backdoor was a little bothersome to me, but no one else seems too bothered by it.

Fun filled summer!

Trying to keep yourself occupied with all your things packed up.
E and F!
Ford has lots of new things to explore like the desk.
Happy 5th Birthday Ezra!!
Funny faces aside...THANK YOU COUSIN MATT for your service and welcome home from deployment!!!
Fun with Aunt Polly.
Although Ford looks like Uncle Ryan, I can see the family resemblance here. (Uncle Bruce)
Mom retires from the Army this year after 30+ years of service. Thank you Mom for doing your part defending our country.

Mom had no idea about this party. Throw in a Brooklyn accent here...so fun!
Cousins Vinnie and Carol and Uncle Bob.
Law and Maisy wrap up AWANA!

Cute, aren't I?

Everybody's growin'!!

Time flies...Ford will be 9 months soon. The rest are getting big...tying shoes, learning to ride bikes--lots of big accomplishments for E and F. L and M have transitioned to 'summer school'. Its a nice break for me before we move.Ford started making funny faces at the camera...
Trying to crawl.


Lots of riding...enjoying the spring.




Maisy looked just like this picture in the striped shirt at some point. :) Ford mostly looks like Niki's brother when he was a baby.

Spring time fun

Ford trying really hard during tummy time. (he's so fun right now, so he's got his fair share of the blog this time)

The older 4 children started taking karate about a month ago. Its interesting to watch their strengths and weaknesses as the instructor teaches at a level well above most of them and they are expected to jump in and learn without individual help. There are often a trio of children counting to 10 in Japanese.



Check out Feven's 'athletic stance'. :)
Ford turns 8 months old this week...time has really flown. He has 'lots of personality', like when he growls if someone comes near his food. The other 4 are really enjoying him right now...he repeats sounds, tries to 'catch' and makes lots of obnoxious noises. :)
Maisy lost her 1st tooth. Her adult tooth had come in behind so her mouth looks a little crazy. She'll be the first one at the orthodontist.
Ford loves the camera.

Scott's promotion!

It was a proud moment for me last week as I stood by to watch Scott get promoted. We had the joy of sharing his promotion with my Mom and (cousin) Matt. They both took the day off to celebrate with Scott in DC and we had a chance to spend some time with Matt before he deployed to Afghanistan. It was a special day to all of us. It was a bonus to have General Thomas promote Scott. He was Scott's commanding officer in Yuma, a man whom we value as a Marine and a person. The day couldn't have been better! Congratulations Scott!!!


Scott and General Thomas.

Scott reaffirming his oath of office.
Just a little bit of a push of the pins into Scott's shoulder. (i'm too short to get much leverage)
One day this will be a very special memory for Law!