23 days....

We have just returned from our cross country adventure! Well, it seems that way. We went to Charleston, SC, then to Columbus GA, back to SC and then home to VA. It was nice to get away and it was wonderful seeing John. He looks so different. He weighs about 190. He has lost about 35 pounds since Christmas. I told him he looks like a teenager! He is doing really well. He is ready to be back with his family! I am REALLY READY for him to be back with us. We will be going back to GA in 23 days to see him graduate. He then will have about 3 weeks of airborne school. Right now it looks like we will be going to Ft. Campbell KY. Anything can change, but as for now that is where we are headed.

Here are some pictures from GA...

Eliza ready to go see Daddy
Anna is so excited!

The wanted to cuddle with Daddy the whole time

So cute

John in his uniform

With the girls...Anna is pretend crying in this photo. She likes to make different faces and then look at herself in the camera. This is the face she decided on in these particular photo's.

Taking John back to the base...so sad to have to say good-bye.

Love him!

It has been a while!

The past couple weeks have been rough and crazy! Not a good combination. We were in a car accident to start it off. We were rear ended! I ended up taking the girls to the hospital to get checked out with the help of my friend Lindsay! Everyone is doing fine. I had to deal with claims and insurance, but I figured all that stuff out. I am now driving a 2008 dodge caravan while the car is in the shop. I am NOT a van person, but this thing is awesome. Anna keeps saying look at our beautiful new car. Don't get too attached honey! The next car we get WILL HAVE a built in DVD player. Next came the sickness! The girls were sick and then I was sick. We are all better now! Thank goodness! I have been having trouble with the drain in our basement, but that is now fixed too (thanks Chris). John has been gone for 9 weeks and I am just tired. Things are looking better now. We go see John in 10 days :) I will be traveling to Charleston to stay with my parents for a couple days, then to GA to see John and then back to Charleston. It will be a lot of driving, but well worth it.

Here are some pictures of some recent events...

playing together in the yard

Running...

So sweet!

My wonderful sister came in for a visit. The girls love their Auntie Aldi.

The girls and me (looking tired and I need some make-up)

Yesterday was beautiful and I got out the baby pools and water table.

She is so happy.

It is a little cool for her. Eliza just jumps right in, but Anna takes her time.

Now we are warmed up!

Water table time!

Walking around the pool together!

Playing...

some pictures from the last couple weeks....

We are plugging away here in Lynchburg. John has been gone for 5 weeks and a couple days! We can't wait to see him during family weekend in the middle of June!!! Our house had an offer, but it fell through. That is my one prayer request. That our house would sell. John is doing well in boot camp. I am sending him a letter every day through this whole process. He stays really busy so he writes when he can. His letters sound really positive. It is hard, but he is doing great.

Eliza can wear bows! Though, they do not stay in for long.

She loves wearing mommy's shoes...she is going to be my shoe girl!


Anna's favorite spot these days. She watches me cook and clean up from this spot.

Anna's new hobby...photography. The following are pictures that she took :)

Back in Lynchburg

We made it back home!!!! The car trip both ways was exhausting. We did have a great time while we were in Charleston. We went to the aquarium, played at the park and spent time with Poppi, Gigi and Uncle David. While we were there Anna figured out how to lock the doors and locked me out of the house with her and her sister inside. That was the only really horrible part of our trip. I found a neighbor that was home and used their cell phone to call my Dad. He rushed home, but didn't have a key because he uses the garage door. Anna decided to lock that door too. He had to get in through his room on the second story. The girls were fine. Eliza was a bit shaken from the whole thing. Here are some pictures from our trip...

Anna caught a fish!

Captain and 1st mate

Driving the boat

Poppi and Eliza

Gigi and Anna

The girls are ready for church.

Eliza loves her big sis!

Anna being silly!

That's better!

Cheese...

We are late!!!

John's address

I am in Charleston, SC visiting my parents. I was supposed to leave this past Thursday, but I decided to stay until Monday (20th). The girls and I have been enjoying our time with Gigi and Poppi. We have been to the aquarium and to the park. I will post some more pictures when we get back to Lynchburg.

I did receive John's address :
Roster # 102 PLT 1 SPC John Allen
Delta Company, 1-330 IN Regt
198th Infantry Brigade
9240 Treadwell Drive
Fort Benning, GA 31905 - 5919

I know he would appreciate mail!! I will keep everyone posted as I hear from him. Thank you for your prayers. The girls and I are doing well.

Painting!

It has been almost a week without John. I miss him SO much! I talked with him briefly a couple days ago and he is doing well. He won't officially start boot camp until April 10th (he thinks). The key with the girls is to keep them busy!! That is my plan while John is gone. One of my activities this week was finger painting....

I think I got something on my nose...

Quote from Anna, "Mommy, I painted my sister."

Spring pictures

We were on time for church yesterday so I seized the opportunity and took some pictures!!! We just got dressed so we were nice and clean :) I know I am their mom, but I just think they are precious!!!