Halloween spirit...

This Halloween I decided to make Savannah's costume. I wanted her to look pretty and girly. So I thought- I think she can with a tutu on. I was so worried about sewing a tutu though. When I went to get the fabric, I ask the lady helping me if there was a pattern for one. She said, "You don't need one. You can just tie the tulle on the elastic." Then she showed me how to do it. I worried for nothing. It was easy to make, and I think Savannah's costume turned out cute. I was so happy that I didn't have to sew because I don't know how, but maybe I can get some practice by sewing a 50's skirt I'm going to make for myself. Wish me luck. I already made a mistake. I didn't get enough felt fabric:)

Savannah's Flower Fairy Pricess costume.

Lots of pictures...

More of my favorite pictures of DC:) Oh and of Chase!

Washington DC

Washington DC just amazed me, and the history there is unbelievable. There is so much to do and see. We tried to visit as much as we could.

Our first day, we went to the Arlington National Cemetery. It was awesome watching a solider guard the tomb of the unknown soldier. We watched a ceremony take place for a long while. It was very patriotic. If Savannah didn't have a accident, we could have watched for hours. Chase loved watching too.

After that we wanted to see the Iwo-Jima Memorial and the Theodore Roosevelt Island. Both monuments were incredible. You can spend hours in all the sites but we wanted to continue the day. We got to the mall and saw the Lincoln Memorial. Then we walked through the mall and saw the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, WWII Memorial, and the Korean War memorial. I gained such an appreciation that day for what so many soldiers have done for us. It makes being away from my husband for a few months seem like such a small sacrifice. Day two we were real adventurers and rode the metro. That was cool!We first visited the Smithsonian museum. It's really fun in there. After that we headed to the Washington monument. It is tall. Its actually the tallest free standing stone structure in the USA. Then we walked far to get to the US capitol building-amazing! We got to tour some of the building. When the tour was over, we decided to go see the Library of Congress. It's beautiful in there. To end the day we were amazed by the White House.

Day three again was a morning of packing. Finally we got ourselves together and spent the afternoon at MT Vernon, Virginia. It was cool touring Washington's house, but I I was sad that we were going to have to say goodbye to Greg shortly. Our time with Greg was over and it was really hard to say goodbye to him at the airport. This time around Chase and Savvy came, and it was sad when Chase started to cry. I love this country and my trip to DC made me realize how proud I am to be an army wife.

JAOBC Graduation

The big day! Wednesday morning came and we were so busy finishing packing. Greg had so much to figure out--what he was taking and what I was taking back home for him. Oh, and let me just say the people in C'ville are up super early (dressed and ready for the day). I'm talking like 5-6am early. It was a rush--we had to get to his graduation by 10 am. Thank goodness we made it just in time. Greg has completed his first 10 weeks in the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course. Yay!The Graduation was on September 30th, 2009. It was nice and not too long. Greg with all his LDS buddies:It was fun having my mom and Greg's parents there with us. After the ceremony we had pizza at a really good Italian restaurant. I'm not lying. Greg and I went there like 4 times during our visit. Later in the afternoon we went to Monticello.

Waiting for the shuttle to take us to Monticello. This is a picture of me behind the Garden area with a beautiful view of VA: Thomas Jefferson's home is amazing and interesting. I think this picture is sweet because how Chase is hugging me:Greg is almost as tall as Jefferson: Savy not so much:Chase learned how to play chess inside the discovery center:

We couldn't leave C'ville until our parents visited the university. I love this view.I loved having my mom visit this city. She hasn't been on a real vacation in a long time and has never been to the east coast of the USA.To be continued: our visit to Washington DC.

Charlottesville, Virginia

We are back home! Greg was lucky to live in C'ville for 10 weeks in many ways, but one downfall (besides being apart) is missing homecooked meals. He loves cooking, so it's hard not being able to go in a kitchen and make yourself a meal. Our first week at C'ville we didn't rent a car. Greg insisted we did, but I convinced him it wasn't necessary. I'm glad we didn't because we went on beautiful walks. A shopping center was close by. I loved it because most of my favorites stores were there. Chase's favorite was the Spirit Halloween store. He is already in the Halloween spirit... and knows he wants to dress up as Snake Eyes from GI Joe. While Greg was at school, the kids and I went on walks, shopped, swam, dined, and when Greg was out of class we did the same. Oh, and Chase made Halloween crafts that I got at Michael's. That kept him busy. The weekend came and we rented a car. Greg and I were so thankful to have one because the weather was so beautiful and we drove further out.We spent a wonderful day outside the university. The university campus is gorgeous. Here we are in front of the rotunda steps: Greg, Chase, and Savy inside of it:Greg with the kids on campus grounds:
Blog to be continued.......

Annual fair and starting our trip:

We went to the LA County Fair! We went with Leilani and Lizeth and had a really fun time. Wow.... time sure goes by fast. I remember going last year. It seems like yesterday. Here are my favorite pictures of the day: The kids and I made it safe and happy to VA ! Chase and Savy were super good on the plane ride. It was long. but flying is so much easier than a long drive. When we first saw Greg waiting for us at the airport, the kids and I didn't recognized him. I think the kids didn't recognize him because he was wearing his uniform and Greg is a lot thinner so his face has changed a little. It has been an amazing weekend.

The kids can't stop talking to Greg. They keep telling him "I missed you dad" "I love you dad." They have been so happy here with their dad. On our way up to Charlottesville, we drove by the Washington temple. I thought it was cool because you can see the temple from the freeway over all the tress:
I'm writing this blog way early. I can't adjust to the time change:) My sleep pattern is all weird. The kids have adjusted after waking them up super early one morning.

We're coming daddy!!

Greg has been away for 12 weeks now. The last time the kids have been with Greg was on July 3rd. So its time for them to see their dad. It's a blessing that we can go to see him for 2 weeks. This Friday, the 18th, we will be flying out to VA. It's going to be special because we will be there for his graduation. Mom, dad, and my mom will be there too. They will fly in on the 29th. After the graduation, Greg will have 4 free days. We will be exploring Washington DC. Then Greg will leave for Oklahoma on Oct 3rd. For the first month Greg was away the time went by slow. It felt like he was gone forever. But my visit up there in August made the time go faster.

Every night I talk to the kids about Greg. They tell me cute things about him, how they love him, and how much they miss him. One night Savy said she was going to tell dad "to come back home!" That was sweet. I felt the same, but I know once his training is over it will be all worth it. The kids are ready to see their dad and are super excited! I just pray the kids do well on the airplane. One of my fears is Savy crying her head off because she's scared during take off. Oh I hope they can make it on a 5-hour flight. Wish me luck!