Zippity-ZOO-da!

Last weekend Andy had drill so the boys and I got in some quality time at the zoo. They are getting so big, and I just cherish every moment with them. This zoo trip, while riding the carousel, Jackson informed me he could do it by himself. No more babies in this house! Enjoy the pictures!

Love my monkeys!

Circus Freaks

We went to a circus...um...over a month ago, and I'm just now posting about it. Andy got free tickets (military perks!), and I was super-pumped as this was my first circus. Thanks a lot Mom and Dad! It was also Ethan and Jackson's first circus. Thank goodness Andy was not a circus virgin so he could take the lead.

Let's just say, the circus was kind of...sad...and...trashy. Kind of like a carnival! That was mean, but it's true. Very "interesting" people go to the circus, which is fine. We went to the circus so maybe we're "interesting" too? I also felt bad for the animals. It was not clean either, and we bathed in hand sanitizer throughout the show.

I'm content checking "the circus" off of my bucket list, but the kids loved it so I'm sure we'll go again...IF the Marines give us free tickets.

Hat on - juice in hand - bring on the circus!

Can hardly contain his excitement!

CREEPIEST Mickey Mouse. Ever.

The elephant show was very cool, and the animals were so cute. I pray they are well-cared for.

2011 in Photos

I can honestly say that 2011 FLEW by. I think it was because I went back to work. Besides Mommy going back to work, we had lots of other big changes too in 2011....like moving back to the USA, both boys being in school, and buying a house (just to name a few). Enjoy a quick recap of the last year...

JANUARY

We said goodbye to our home for the last four years.

We left Okinawa and moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma!

FEBRUARY

Immediately upon arrival in Broken Arrow, we were victims to the worst blizzard in Oklahoma history (of course).

We celebrated Valentine's Day stranded at home with no furniture (and no teeth for Ethan).

MARCH

Our furniture from Japan and Maine made it to Oklahoma. Jackson enjoyed playing in the Maine furniture, which he'd never seen before, and we hadn't seen since 2007.

APRIL

We had a blessed Easter.

MAY

Jackson struggled with turning 3. The 2's were good to him.

In honor of our 7th wedding anniversary, we bought our first home!

JUNE

Momo and Papa came to visit and help us unpack.

JULY

We kept super busy this summer (as usual) and did our best to beat the heat!

Some of the hot spots we frequented were the aquarium, the planetarium, the zoo, the pool, the library, and the splash pads.

Aunt Britt came to visit us (and for a New Kids on the Block Concert!).

My best friend, Callie, came for a visit, and we went on a Route 66 road trip.

AUGUST

Ethan started 1st grade.

Jackson started preschool...and Mommy started a new job as a Probation and Parole Officer for the State of Oklahoma!

SEPTEMBER

Grandma Vicki "moved in" with us to help with the boys while I complete a four-month academy for my new job.

We enjoyed the warm fall temperatures and continued our family fishing trips.

After much anxiety, I turned the big 3-0!

OCTOBER

Andy turned 33 and celebrated this milestone with a new truck!

Ethan turned 7 in October, and enjoyed another season of soccer.

NOVEMBER

Andy and I enjoyed our yearly date at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

DECEMBER

Enjoyed the holidays with BOTH of our families visiting. We are blessed.

Happy New Year! Looking forward to 2012!