~ Our Simple Life ~

Monday, January 24, 2011

Did not make the cut!

I was saddened that these pictures did not make it on our Christmas card this year. We had the chance to have our pictures taken with the F-22 last year, super excited. They did not arrive in my mailbox till after I already ordered our cards, boo... The planner that I am knew if I did not have them by Cyber Monday I could not pass up the great on-line deals for cards so I was so sad to have to for-go these (maybe next year!).

Anyway, since I have not blogged in ages, sorry, I will be adding a few more blogs about our life happenings over the Holiday's in the next week. Stay tuned because a few things have changed in our household that has made our lives a little busier these days.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Part 4: Blue Ridge Parkway

Since Brad was given a week and a half off, we tried to take advantage. Other than camping, we decided to take a day trip to the Shenandoah Valley and drive part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It turned out to be the perfect time to see all of the changing leaves. We packed a picnic lunch and got to enjoy a little bit of the park outside of the car. Turns out to be a great spot for camping too (if you do not mind the bears!!)

Here are some shots of the changing colors, not the best, but you get the idea. It was a beautiful drive, especially when both kiddos decided to take a nap the last 1/2 hour through the park and most of the way home!

Part 3: Fall Festival

While camping, they were hosting a Fall Festival at the Plantation. They had llamas, goats, pigs, tractors, an old fashioned log mill, homemade corn bread, cotton picking and of course pumpkins. What a great way to spend the morning!

The next day before we left there was a pumpkin patch right down the road so we took the kids to pick out their own pumpkins. Miss A had a great time running around trying to find the right one.

Ahh, the good ol' photo shoot, this is as good as it gets with 2 kiddos always on the go....

We love fall!!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Part 2: Camping

Finally! All of the searching and stressing about the right camper and perfect truck (all while Brad was away mind you) came into fruition this past weekend. As much as Brad and I have been camping, doing this by ourselves + two kiddos was a sight to see, but for some reason worked out just fine! Enjoying a quiet night bundled by the fire, kids asleep soundly with a drink in hand makes for a perfect trip! Enjoy a few pic's of our weekend at Chippokes Plantation State Park.

Our camping spot.

A view of how crazy it is inside of the camper (it rained when we first got there, but turned into a beautiful weekend).

Luckily we found a fun playground and visited that twice a day. Mr. B enjoyed taste testing all of the tire ground cover....yum..... Miss A enjoyed every moment with Daddy.

Playing outdoors!

Brad and his mad fire building skills....look how organized!

Of course the reward for a great fire....SMORES!

Off camping again this weekend, hopefully it goes as smooth as last weekend!

Daddy's Home: Part 1

Brad got home a little less than 2 weeks ago. All is right with the world now that he is home! Of course the big day for him to arrive went about as smooth as it could have with 2 OVER tired children, but totally worth it! I did not manage to capture the reunion on camera because #1- I forgot to bring the camera with me to the flight line #2 Even if I had the camera I was in a crazy search for someone to take Miss A and hold her from not running up to every jet and #3 Trying to protect Mr B's ears from the jets was enough of a workout to make my arms sore for 2 days. Watching all the 8 jets land, taxi up, shut down and the guys climb out of their jets, wives and kiddos anxiously awaiting the reunion, priceless. To see the older kiddos sprint up to their Dad's and give them the biggest hugs, I hope makes the time away worth the work and effort! I would do it over again in a heartbeat! Miss A said 'I love you Daddy' in a sweet and chocked-up kind of way I think I counted 15 times in a short 30 minutes. MELTED my heart. I had no idea what her reaction would be, but I think I can say without a doubt, she missed her Daddy and was glad to have him home (just like her Mommy!) Brad got back into the swing of things around the house, messing with the yard, fixing things, and making desserts with Miss A!