Road Trip With The Kiddos

After Aaron finished BCT he left for Fort Sam Houston and we were back in Florida. Once the hubby got there they considered him prior service because of his 4 years in the Navy so he did not have to stay in the barracks. Conner was finishing up the school year so it seemed like the perfect timing to take a road trip with the kids to Texas. I knew that of course since it was just the kids and myself I needed to be prepared. I had a box of DVDs next to me at all times to make sure they didn't get bored, toys surrounding them, snack food and sippy cups pre-filled with their drinks in case they dropped one or drank it all. I wanted to do whatever it took to make this trip as easy as possible. To be honest I was kinda scared to go on a long trip with them.

On the Way to Mississippi

M-I crooked letter
Crooked letter I
Crooked Letter
Crooked letter I
Humpback humpback I
Mississippi!

Our first stop along the way to San Antonio was in Biloxi, MS. Since I had made a few road trips to Biloxi with either my husband or my family when I was younger, I knew that Conner would get a kick out of the tunnel you drive through in Mobile, AL called George Wallace Tunnel. It actually goes beneath the Mobile River. I know I always found it to be amazing since it's the only tunnel I have ever been though. Like me my son thought it was the coolest thing EVER! In fact he asked if I would turn around and do it again. We made it to MS safely and no issues. In fact Alyssa slept most of the way and Conner watched DVDs and got excited at little things I showed him. The next morning after when we were leaving the hotel the Conversation with Conner went like this:

Conner: Mommy, when are we getting to Mississippi?

Me: Conner we are in Mississippi

Conner: No you silly Mommy we are in a building

I couldn't help but laugh. I then had to explain yes we are in a building but the building was in the state of Mississippi. He for some reason fell in love with that state. I think it's because his daddy is from there. So on the road we go again, next stop SAN ANTONIO, TX. 

Don't Mess With Texas!

OK so I'm guessing that either Florida has a completely different style of designing freeway over passes or Texas does. I was so confused when I reached Houston Texas. Never in my life had I ever seen anything like that. The traffic, the signs, big buildings and twisting and turns of all these intertwined roads. I felt like I was about to have a anxiety attack between my now antsy children and the confusion. 

This is how I felt. Thanks Hock for designing what Houston seemed like to me.

 

 

 

 

Finally I make it to San Antonio where I once again get lost. Go figure. Needless to say I didn't have the nicest things to say to the Texas roads.  To Be Continued.....

The start of our Army life

Ok Where do I even start? Well I suppose the best place to start would be Aaron signing up for the Army. That was one of the biggest life changing events so far besides getting married and our wonderful children. Back on March 28, 2011 Aaron left for basic training at Fort Benning. It was our first BIG step and getting out on our own. Right before that and during his time at Ft. Benning we lived with my parents. We decided together as a family that the military life would be best for us. The 11 weeks he was gone at first seemed like forever. Over time I started to develop a routine that worked for me and helped the time pass. I always felt like a part of me was missing while he was away but the excitement I would get when I received a letter in the mail or a surprise phone call made everything better. I remember getting my first letter. I kept running out and checking the mailbox everyday and finally it arrived. In the letter he told me he just wanted to tell me he loved me and the kids and missed us. Which always brought tears to my eyes and still does (I'm a cry baby when it comes to my husband and kids). He told me about the exercising they were doing and how well that was going and he always for the most part ended with something funny because he knew I probably needed it (I did). In the first letter however I remember him telling me in the PS portion of the letter that they had a loud snorer there and he was glad he had ear plugs. I kept every letter from him which was about 18 envelopes and some had several letters all put together. I came up with a system of writing my own letters. I decided to keep a journal. Each day I would write down the important things, funny things and just whatever was on my mind. After a few days I would mail it off. I figured even though he was away he wasn't missing any part of our families life.

Link to Video of Conner opening letter from Daddy!


 The kids and I traveled to Columbus, GA to see my husband graduate. A couple of our long time family friends came along too (which it helped tremendously having them help me keep both kids corralled). I was so proud to see my husband graduate in the top 10% of his class and get promoted as well at the ceremony.

This was right before he was about to get pinned on family day.



He will probably shot me later but this was Aaron kinda teary eyed after seeing the kids and me. I saved the one with actual tears for myself. It still brings tears to my eyes.


I was so excited to see him but at the same time so sad that I had to tell him good bye again soon.





Yay! Daddy finally graduated from BCT. One of the proudest days of my life seeing him on that parade field.

After family day and the graduation ceremony Aaron was off to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX and the kids and I were on or way back to Saint Augustine, FL. He would be gone another 16 weeks for training as a medic.

The reason I am doing this

I've told myself now for a few years that I wanted to start a blog. So now this year I decided that I was making it a goal to myself to actually do it. For me this blog will have anything from the daily activities my family does to crafts that I have done or food I have cooked. I can't wait to just share my life with others and let them know how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family that has given me a amazing life. Several years ago during my high school years I use to have a online diary. It was from a web site called freeopendiary.com. I absolutely loved writing on there as a outlet to how I felt and to get others opinions. This is a exciting time for me to rekindle that love I once had what is now almost 10 years ago. I still regret the day I deleted it.  Now to give everyone a warning in advance I have horrible spelling and my grammar is not the best. So please excuse my mess here as I get the hang of how to do this and get my stuff together on here.


One of the main reasons for having this blog is to help keep family and friend up to date on my family and where we are in our life. So here is a little bit about my family for those of you that don't know us. Aaron and I have been married now what will be 6 years this year. We were originally married June 2, 2006 and remarried May 30, 2010. I can honestly say that I have found my soul mate. He is the most amazing husband and father and does everything he possibly can for our family. My husband is not only my husband, but also my best friend.Together we created two wonderful children. Conner and Alyssa which I am sure you will end up reading tons about. 


Little side note: I can be a procrastinator. I went to start this blog about 5 months ago and am just now posting what I wrote then. I'm not starting out to well but this time I will hit publish.