Fun at the Laundromat

We had to do our laundry from the hotel at a laundromat. I was kind of scared to go into one, but it wasn't scary at all. I think it was one of the kids' favorite things to do while we were there. We went 3 times. Luckily we were the only ones there for the most part. It was just like the movies! (just for you Heather)

Hotel Living

Riley had to start work before our house was ready to move into. We got to stay in a hotel for the 2 weeks until it was time to move in. The hotel room had a little kitchen and a hide-a-bed couch, so it wasn't too bad. And they had a full breakfast and dinner most days so it was like a little vacation for me. Sort of.
We watched a lot of TV and built a lot of forts.
The kids swam almost everyday.
And we found a dog park for Sandy and she loved it! It was good place to let her run and play with other dogs. Here she's playing with her favorite friend, Nova.

Captain Ockerman

Riley was promoted from 1st Lt. to Captain right before we moved. Here's the pinning. I'm always afraid I'm going to drop the bars or poke him with them.
Riley taking the oath.
Happy Captain. I'm a captain's wife!

One Last Trip to the Beach

The one thing we all wanted to do before we left North Carolina was to go to the beach. We wanted to go several times actually but only made it this once. Adam dug and dug and the girls mostly jumped in the water.

30th Birthday

Yes, yes. Sadly, I turned 30 this year. I don't feel like it. I wouldn't want to go back to being 20 again, though. 30 feels good. Here are a few of the cool things I got for my birthday. The apron and bird towel are from Kathy. I do love birds! Riley got me the bright red pot. I do love red! And Lenette and Riley both came up the driveway with flowers... at the same time! I do love flowers! And I'm wearing a new outfit courtesy of my mom. I do love clothes! It was a very nice birthday to turn 30 with.
At our house, picking out what kind of cake you want is always a big deal. I've always wanted to make petite fours and thought it was a good idea since they are so small and I should be able to have just a couple. But because they are so small, you can have more, right?

Going to the Air Show

With all the rain this weekend, we were putting off going to the air show.  We finally picked Saturday after lunch and had a good time getting out.  This is in the car on the way to the show.
We parked and took a bus over to the action.  Adam looks thrilled.  It must be cool to show no emotions.  This is the face we see most of the time.

Watching the Snow Birds

I've heard the Blue Angels last year were much better, but we got to see the Snow Birds from Canada this time.  For some reason, Riley left me home last year and took all the kids.  They did some pretty cool tricks though.
We walked around and checked out helicopters and planes.  All the kids wanted was a snow cone.
Heading back, Amy got a ride.
And of course a potty break for Elli.  It was pretty rainy this weekend and we were lucky to just get sprinkled on a little.  At least it wasn't hot hot hot like last year.

School Program

The kids had a spring performance last week where they sang songs about America.  Adam and Elli both sang loud and smiled and did so well.  Adam had to fill in as a speaker at the last minute and did a great job.  The younger the kids, the louder they sang.  Some of the 5th graders looked pretty embarrassed to be there. 

7 Year Old Elli

My sweet Elli is SEVEN!  Here are 7 things about Elli:

1.  She loves to sing and is ALWAYS singing!

2.  She wakes up really early on school days and is always dressed when I go to wake her up.

3.  She hates peanut butter, but she loves peanuts.

4.  She has the darkest brown eyes.

5.  She can make anyone laugh.

6.  She likes to dance and is actually pretty good.

7.  She like to switch things around my house and decorate how she likes it!!!

We sure love our little Elli.  Happy Birthday!!!

Elli's Sleep Over Party

Elli has been wanting a sleep over for a while, so I thought it would be an easy birthday party.  She invited her best friend, Sophia, from 2 houses down and her sister, Isabel.  Elli loves the movie "Over the Hedge" and wanted the Hedge for her cake.  That squirrel is "Hammy".

They watched a movie, had popcorn, did their nails, played dress up and stayed up until 11:30.  

I think they had fun.  Riley and Adam were on a camping trip, so it was just the girls.  

Straw Fix

Adam has had a fever off and on for a couple days with a headache and dizziness.  After church he felt hot again and asked for some water.  I looked around the corner and saw this crazy straw he built so he wouldn't have to sit up.  Is this lazy or inventive?

Time for Easter Pictures by the TV

We tried before church, but Riley said the batteries were too low.  Then he took this as the kids walked away.
After church we tried again.  Hair is not quite as done as before.  Kids being silly.
Riley trying to get everyone together.  Adam wasn't feeling well.
Finally all the kids together.  Happy Easter!

Chewy Crunchy Bread

No Need To Knead: A Simple Way To Bake Bread

Here is the link to the bread I tried today.  It is so easy to make and so yummy!  I started it yesterday afternoon and baked it this afternoon.  The easiest bread I've ever made!  You must try it!  I think it would be good dipped in a tomatoey sauce or dipped in olive oil and vinegar like at Macaroni Grill.  

My New York Trip

Sometime last year, a few ladies from our church started talking about a trip to NY.  All I needed was a babysitter, so after I talked Kathy into coming out in March, 4 of us were still on board.  I went with Debbie, Lenette and Heather.  We had this planned for months, so you can imagine how torn I was when I found out Riley would come home from Iraq while I was gone.  He came home late Friday night and got a chance to wait for me to come home instead.

I am so glad I got to go though.  New York was freezing and the timing wasn't the best, but still, it was New York!  I love the girls I went with and have so many things to laugh about as I remember our trip.  Here's how it started...

Wednesday, Debbie and I met at Lenette's house.  Heather just moved up to Maryland, so we drove to her house first.  On the way, we stopped at Subway.  I got a veggie sandwich with some kind of vinegar.  It tasted great.  I had been craving one for months.  Maybe the vinegar, maybe eating while driving, I don't know, but something made me sick.  I threw up in my Subway bag and Lenette made me leave it on the side of the road.  We made it to Heather's and got to bed.  We started out early the next day after a warm bagel breakfast.  

Thursday in New York

Thursday we drove the last half from Heather's.  We took her posh BMW with the seat warmers.  My queasy stomach from the night before got me a ticket for the front seat.  I'm so glad Heather was driving!  On the way, we passed right through Allentown, where we'll live next, so that was neat.  We made it to the hotel just before 3.We decided to walk around and found Central Park.  We went to the Metropolitan Museum and saw original Monets and Picassos.  No wonder people try to steal them!  
We got to go to a session at the Manhattan Temple which was beautiful and quiet and warm compared to the bustling city.
I wore a stupid dress for the weather, so we took a cab wherever we could that night.  For the rest of the time we took the Subway.  That's me in the front of the taxi.  The people were very nice and we never felt scared.
The girls in the back.
After the temple, we trekked to Serendipity, the cafe from the movie, "Serendipity".  It was so cool to be in all these places from movies and TV.  I felt bad that my friends had to see my grumpy side.  I do not remember being so cold as we were when we walked to this cafe.  I think I scared Lenette.  Sorry.

Friday in New York

Friday was our site seeing day.  First we had our favorite breakfast at a little bakery/catering place near our hotel called Butterfield Kitchen.  They had the creamiest, warmest oatmeal.  It really helped gear us up for the cold!  Next we found the DMV so Heather could renew her license.  That lead us to Garrett's popcorn shop which Lenette recognized right away from Oprah's favorite things.  She talked us into trying the mix and we were hooked.  We walked to Little Italy and China Town which was so cool to see one side of the street total chinese and the other italian.
We stopped in FAO Schwartz and played on the big piano.  
Went to the top of the Empire State Building.
Didn't make it to the statue of liberty.  Don't know why I have this picture in here, but we want to go see it during our trip next year.  Wink wink!
Made it just in time for Wicked after making Heather run through the city.  It was so cool.  My kids like the song "Popular" that I downloaded from iTunes after I got home.

After the show, we hit Times Square just to look around.  Here are the girls with their smokey eyes, compliments of Sephoria makeup artists.  Then home to bed.  Big day.  

Saturday in New York

Saturday was our shopping day.  After our yummy oatmeal breakfast, we got right to it.  I think everyone got to go where they wanted.  My favorite was Anthropologie which was right by Rockefeller Center.  I could have spent all day there.  But, we had to get our second helping of Garrett's popcorn before we left.  The mix of cheese and caramel doesn't sound good at all, but is actually very delicious.  We also ate at a Japanese restaurant that day.  Mmm.  Loved my sweet potato sushi.  The food on the whole trip was amazing!  So many different kinds all at your fingertips.  And of course, Sunday was our driving day, all day.  That was the longest time I have ever spent in the car.  We learned a lot about each other!

Nice Walk in the Nice Sunshine

The sun has been tricking us.  It was warm for a little, now it's cold again.  But we took advantage of the sunny day and went for a walk.  It was stressful without Riley.  There are many trails to choose from and I don't them all.  Sandy got chased by a big black dog and scared a runner running by.  I don't think I will do that by myself again.