Most of the time February thru May was spent gearing up for the next deployment. However, there were a couple of birthdays and a visit from my Dad(aka..Papaw) The
kids wanted to teach Papaw how to ski, but he just wasn't going for it! Maybe next time!
Although it was really hard with John gone, the kids and I made the most of it by traveling pretty much all summer. We started our summer with a trip to Virginia in June. Jacob turned 13 on the 7th of June and I had been planning a trip with my great friend Michelle to take our boys to see the Yankees. Jacob his a HUGE fan of the Yankees and this was his ultimate dream. We traveled to Virgina where the girls were able to spend some much needed "girl" time with one of their best friends, Laurel. Michelle, her son Tristan, Jacob and I headed to NY for 5 days! It was the greatest trip!! Everyday we surprised them with something new we were doing. The last day was the ballgame! What a privilege it was for me to spend time like that with my son.
After leaving NY and Virginia, we traveled on to Mississippi~home! We stayed 2 weeks in Columbus, sitting by my parent's pool and enjoying family and friends. The time just goes by way to fast!!
The kids and I were home for just a few weeks, long enough for Jacob to go to boy scout camp for a week. He really loved it. It is the only time he can get away with not taking a shower for 5 days! After his return, we were off again. This time to California for 2 weeks.
John's family lives in South Pasadena. We all love our visits there. All the cousins are so close and the kids just have a blast!!
August was nearing an end which meant back home and back to school. The kids started school on the 25th of August and I celebrated by 18th wedding anniversary alone. Well, that is nothing new! The kids took me out to eat to celebrate. It was very sweet!
Thankfully, September went by fast, which meant John and the men and woman of the
34th Fighter Squadron were coming home!! On October 5th our squadron finally returned!! John's parents and brother were also here to welcome him home!! We are so thankful God took care of him and our entire squadron and returned them all home to us!
After his return, we took a family trip San Diego. It was nice to just to sit back and relax on the beach. Beautiful sunsets, but really cold water! We enjoyed trips to the zoo, Sea World, and the Wild Animal Park! A much needed trip for us all!
Also in October, we got a visit from my mom(aka..Nana)She was able carve pumpkins with us and trick or treat with the kids! It was a wonderful visit, but so very hard to say good-bye.
November and December were just busy to say the least. We spent Thanksgiving with John's family in California. It is always such a festive time. We love seeing all the family and friends!
December was busy with shopping, school parties, and many AirForce functions. We stayed home in Utah for Christmas this year. It snowed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We spent the next day on the slopes!
The year came to a close with a visit from our 16 year old neice, MaryLinda. She learned to ski and was so happy to see real snow!! We also took her to an indoor cart racing place called Speed Street and I think the highlight of her trip was the Monster Truck ralley on Saturday night! Having her here made welcoming in the New Year so much better!
It definitely has been a crazy, trying year! However, we are so very blessed that I really can't complain! We look forward to all that 2009 has to offer us, including a move to Rhode Island in July. John will be attending Naval War College for 10 months and then yes, another move. Definitely don't write down our address in ink!
Thank you to all family and friends who have prayed, sent emails and cards over the past year. We really appreciate all the love and support from you all!!
