A Surprise Visit

I received a phone call during lunch time a couple Tuesday's ago. It was one of my best friend from High School...Lauren. She was in Durham for a conference for the night. So we gave Erik a call- my other best friend from high school that lives about 2 hours south of me at the beach here in NC. Erik drove up with his wife Becky and baby girl Kayleigh. I got to see their baby for the first time. I picked up Lauren in Durham (spent about 4 hours total that day picking her up and then taking her home and getting home at midnight). It was well worth it though to have a high school reunion at my house. Cliff read everyone a bed time story and Zack read one to. Ben loved Lauren and even sat on her lap. Something he normally doesn't do. It was a great night. Erik and I plan to get together more now that we live close again. They just recently moved here from New York. He is a meteorologist with the national weather center. He isn't on TV anymore but it was a great job promotion..Good job Erik!!

Ben's 1st birthday- July 12

Wow, I cant believe my little man is 1. He is 31 inches and 25 lbs. He is such a great boy. He has his moments. He is definitely my screamer. He is way more tempermental at this age than the other kids were. But he is also a fun kid. He is into everything now that he is 1- my cabinets, closing doors, locking himself in the bathroom. If you find trouble, you'll find Ben. He is such a good kid though. He goes to bed without a struggle every night and sleeps in for me. He eats his food usually all gone. He tries to clean up his toys already. He's just such a joy. I love you Benihana.

We also made some really good new friends here that we hope to see a lot more. They are the Wedig Family: Ryan, Mary-Anne, Alice, Grace and Rockwell. They were house sitting for their cousin and we got to meet them for the short time they were here. But then we were happy to know they were moving 40 mins north of us. The good thing about that is that we usually are in that city on the weekends for shopping. Sometimes I even go up there during the week to go to target (yes that is the nearest target and chickfila!!). So we should hopefully be seeing them way more now. They are such a sweet family and have the cutest kids. We really enjoy their company. IT is always so hard to make such good friends and they are just a blessing to know.

Wilimington Beach

My sister Eileen and her boyfriend Paul came out to visit us 4th of July weekend. We were so busy driving places in the car that I never really got time to take pictures of them here. Next month I am planning a trip home to MD so hopefully we'll get pictures with them then. We went to the beach in Wilmgington (Ft. Fisher beach to be exact). It was a lot of fun. Next time I need to remember to bring our bathing suits. Duh, mommy. My sister and I wanted to just walk around the boardwalk and shop. But apparently, there is no boardwalk, shops or rides. BORING. Cliff's Aunt Linda and Uncle Kerry met us down at the beach to. They were in Fayetteville visiting their friends.

Swimming Lessons

Megan and Zack had swimming lessons this summer. The first day neither one of them really wanted to go in the water. Zack kept asking where are the toys? Megan finally went in the water after 30 mins or so. Each lesson I was trying not to watch because I knew they were scared and didnt want to do half the things they were asked. By the last week came around they both wanted to go under the water, jump in, etc. I was amazed on their last day, they even jumped off the diving board into 12 feet of water. They were wearing life jackets and they were caught by their teacher in the water, but still. I dont even think I would jump off the diving board. I hate water. The class was awesome. Since then Zack loves the pool and has been trying to really swim. We went to a friends pool party and he went off the slide there a few times by himself into 4 feet of water and didnt cry he went under. Megan enjoys water to as long as the pool is clean- free of bugs and dirt. Yup my little princess. It has been raining a lot here so we havent really gone as much as we like but we plan to go more this summer.

Zack's last day of school

I am so proud of zack for scoring above grade level on everything today on his report card. He scored 1st grade reading level to. I am amazed because before we came to NC in march he didnt know any site words, to read or even math. I didnt even think he was learning anything in San Antonio. I am grateful we were sent here and that I can truly be appreciative of the education they are receiving. I am glad we bought a house here in Lee county where the schools are better then by base. He is so smart, must get it from his mommy. Just kidding, his dad is very smart as well. We love Zack and cant believe how grown up he is now.

Ben's first haircut

June 7, 2008 Ben got his first haircut and he loved it. The lady was hoping to just cut his bangs but he sat so still that she was able to use clippers. They commented that he was one of the best kids they have seen. Megan and Zack got hair cuts to. I included a pic of Megan's new do that she loves. YOu can finally see her gorgeous eyes again.

I love my husband

Cliff and I just celebrated our 7th Anniversary in Febuary. We will be spending our
8th anniversary apart because he will be in Afganistan. I love cliff so much and it is amazing how much our love grows each and everyday. I am grateful for our time apart because it helps us to appreciate each other more and miss each other. You often take a person for granted when they are right there in front of you all the time. It isnt till they are gone even if its a brief period that you realize their importance and how much you love them and vice versa. I couldnt ask for a better husband or better father for my kids. I am very lucky. He is my best friend.