Daddy's Home!

Andy is back for two fun-filled weeks of rest and relaxation! I will return to the blog after our time with him comes to an end, and I will fill you all in on all of our time together.

Camping Like It's Cool!

As I stated in the previous blog post, Ethan, Mom, and Dad went camping in Deadwood this past weekend. Here are some highlights from their trip.

They went on a bike ride on the Mickelson Trail.

It had tunnels. Awesome.

They went to the gold-mining museum in Lead, SD. Also, awesome.

Jackson and I visited the campers and ate supper with them. The brothers missed each other so much. They really are best pals.

The King of Jenga.

This boy is most-definitely a camper...just like his Momo, Papa, and Daddy!

Jack-Jack's Big Turtle Pack-Pack

Mom, Dad, and Ethan went camping this weekend (again). Jackson and I stayed home for two reasons: (1) I don't like camping; (2) I wanted to go scope out some garage sales. Well thank goodness we didn't go camping! I found some great deals on shelving and home decor for our next house (wherever that may be). AND Jackson scored this great frog backpack for a whole dollar! Don't worry, it came from a very clean home, and I disinfected it. It should be noted that Jackson has no interest in frogs, but he LOVES turtles so he appropriately named his new friend, "Jack-Jack's big turtle pack-pack."

Jack-Jack and his big turtle pack-pack are so stinkin' cute!

Love and miss you Andy. See you SOON!

Vacation Bible School

Ethan's had a GREAT week at Vacation Bible School. He looks forward to going everyday, and he has fun all day long. It's good practice for being away from home when he starts kindergarten in the fall. I love the break, but Jackson has been struggling with his big brother being gone all day. I was able to volunteer and help out at lunch time so at least Jackson got to eat lunch with his best pal. Here are a few pictures from tonight's VBS closing program.

Ethan made this bandana today at VBS. He's worn it like this all day.

Best pals. :)

Towards the end of the program, Ethan was ready for refreshments.

Thank you Outlaw Ranch for being great VBS counselors!

Love and miss you Andy!

Swim Lessons

As I've said before, the key to surviving a deployment is to keep busy. We continue to succeed at this task. This week we have Vacation Bible School, and the previous two weeks we had swim lessons. Ethan wowed the teachers with his swimming skills, and at only five, he graduated to Level 3 (reserved for 8-10 year olds). Go Ethan! Here are some pictures from his fun two weeks at swim lessons.

I was worried Jackson wouldn't be able to sit on the edge and watch Ethan's lessons because he'd want to get in the water too. However, we brought Buzz and Woody along, and Jackson was fine. He is still Ethan's #1 fan, yelling, "Go Ethan Go!" every day.

Love and miss you Andy!

Roubaix Lake

Our weekend also included a long and hot afternoon at Roubaix Lake. The beach was so soft, and the water was pretty cold, but it felt so good in the 90 degree weather. The boys stayed occupied for nearly four hours...playing in the sand, swimming in the lake, and canoeing with Papa! It makes me excited to return to the beaches of Okinawa!

Jackson digging with a new friend.

Ethan racing back and forth between the lake and the giant hole he was digging.

Ethan and Papa in the canoe.

Mommy and her boys cooling off!

Love and miss you Andy!!

Boondock's

Mom, Dad, and Ethan are camping in Deadwood this weekend. Jackson and I met them today for a fun day. We started out at Boondock's: a fun tourist spot with carnival rides, museums, and gift shops. We'd never been there before, but both boys had a great time!

Each boy could pick one ride, and Jackson chose the Safari Train. He was a little apprehensive about riding alone.

But he rode the whole ride by himself with no tears. He even asked to go again! He's getting so big.

Ethan chose the roller coaster.

It was fast!

Tomorrow I'll post pictures of the rest of our day in Deadwood!

Love and miss you Andy!