A day at the beach

and just in the nick of time.

The deployment that wouldn't end...

just did!

In just the first day, Megan is already learning new vocabulary. "Dad, What's 'dude'?"

And Olivia decided to pop her first tooth in honor of the big day!

Welcome Home Aric!

Success

Addie was still smiling when I picked her up, and she informed me that "School is more funner than watching a movie"
Do they teach grammar in Kindergarten?

It's Official!

Addie's a Kindergartner!

And Megan cried, "I want my Addie" all the way home.

Walking (sometimes)

Can you believe it?

Olivia is 1!

And it couldn't have happened to a sweeter baby.

She was more than ready to dig into the birthday cupcakes,

and she held still long enough for Addie to open her presents.

She was even happy to try out her new swing in the rain.

Happy birthday Olivia!

Tempting

Olivia got a new carseat.
Addie and Megan got a box.

I'm looking for packing tape.

Happy 4th!

Our holiday began with an "air conditioned parade" (my favorite kind).


Then we moved on to Cupcakes



and hot dogs!

Addie was feeling brave at the petting zoo . . .

but Megan and Olivia were not impressed.

seen one animal, you've seen them all.

The $4, 30 second pony ride (yet another act of bravery on Addie's part)

and Fireworks!

Happy 4th to all!

Happy Birthday to Addie!

Hooray, She's 5! And she's pretty happy about it too.

Since Addie proclaimed, "Mom, I am having a great birthday" about 10 times today, I think it's safe to say it was a fun one.

Megan, however, has had better days. It's rough being number 2.

Lip gloss lover

In case you wondered what an entire tube of lip gloss would do to your hair, now you know. It gives it that nice, greasy look we've been going for, and, we found out tonight, doesn't come out with the first washing! But it kept her quiet in church for a good 5 minutes, so it was probably worth it.

Home Sweet Home

After a long flight, it's good to be home.

Mega kudos to:

Grandma Peterson who stayed incredibly cheerful and patient during the journey (even while sandwiched between Addie and Megan on the first flight), and stayed for a whole week to help us get settled. THANK YOU!

Megan and Olivia for traveling while sick

The red headed lady sitting in front of us whose seat was kicked for about three hours

Addie, who gets first prize for "best behaved"

The Southwest flight attendants who did not kick us off the plane

And, of course, many many thanks to Mom and Dad for letting us invade the place for 6 months. We were having so much fun we just didn't want to leave.

Two Weeks of Leave

Yea, Dad's back!

In time for the Easter Egg Hunt

School Justin and Clay in a game of Football

Take some Easter pictures with your favorite Sister

Be Cute (while Planning World Domination)

See Grandma Peterson

Win a speed eating contest.

Jump on the trampoline

Ride the 4 wheeler

Learn to crawl, (Olivia, not Aric)

See Aunt Sabrina and kids



Meet Scott.


Familyreunionize

Go Back to Iraq

Spring Fever

Not exactly picnic weather, but you can't blame them for trying.

Shoe fetish

I bought some new shoes last weekend - I can't wait until it's my turn to wear them.

And since Addie wears them to bed, it may be a while.

Bedtime

Looks fun.
It would be more fun if they would actually fall asleep.