One week down, 27ish to go...

The kids and I just wrapped up our first week with Marc gone and I am pleased to report that we are doing well. As expected, the first day or two following Marc's deployment were rough, but with each day the knot in my stomach lessened and the kids and I quickly found a new rhythm with hopes of finding comfort in what our new "normal" will be for a while. 

The morning Marc left the kids and I began our first dip into our "Daddy Kisses" jar. Now, each day begins with a kiss from Daddy for each of us.

I received a brief email from Marc while he awaited a flight to head in-country last Tuesday. He sounded good, but homesick. It is my understanding he has arrived in Afghanistan now and is keeping busy with 1/8's relief in place. The kids and I are hoping we might get our first phone call from him soon, as it would be so encouraging to hear his voice. For now, I am in full-out deployment mode (all of my military friends will know exactly what this is) and eat, sleep, and go to the bathroom with my cell clutched in my hand, waiting for his call.

Gracie started gymnastics on Wednesday and did SO well!! While I am disappointed in myself for forgetting the memory card for my camera, I was able to snap a quick photo of her when we got home.

I have been so overwhelmed by prayers, support and encouragement from friends and family near and far. There is one thing I know for sure: We are beyond blessed to be a part of this Marine Corps community. Throughout the week I had friends surprise me with flowers, balloons, notes, baked goods, CD's and even a care package for the kids and I. It has been amazing to watch God use others to be of encouragement to us! 

The kids were so excited to find their Daddy Dolls had arrived last week. While Liam really only cares to sleep with his, Gracie is very much attached to hers and it truly seems to be a great source of comfort.

The B's in the D

Second stop on our pre-deployment travels was Detroit! By this point in our journey the kids were plenty tired...good thing we were visiting family!

During our 6 days in Michigan the kids enjoyed some much-needed time with their cousins - all 8 1/2 of them! I, personally, grew up with like, a gazillion cousins and LOVE seeing the kids interacting with their cousins like I did. 

The kids, my mom and I took a day to spend up at my Aunt Cathy's house to hang out and swim. The kids had a nice time, despite the rain, and Liam decided he was ready to brave the diving board with Grandma!

Since our trip was so close to Gracie's birthday, we decided to seize the rare opportunity to round up the grandparents and cousins and throw a little party for our sweet Gracie. She had a wonderful time and especially enjoyed her cherry cake!

It was a great visit for all of us, especially Marc, as this trip home revolved primarily around him. We are so thankful to have had the time to head back so he could spend time with his parents, brothers and sister before he deploys. 

First Stop: Disney

Our first stop on Marc's pre-deployment leave was Disney World.  We figured it would offer a great distraction for our family - and BOY did it ever! We spent four full days wandering through Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, with trips to the pool sprinkled in throughout to make the crushing heat slightly less oppressive. This was actually one of the few times that having children who still require naps worked to our advantage, as it gave us the perfect excuse to head back to the hotel to enjoy some a/c during the afternoon heat! 

We were excited to find so many rides that suited Gracie and Liam. Liam was a HUGE fan of the Goofy roller coaster, and Marc and I enjoyed coaxing our 42inch Gracie into riding Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Railroad...the jury is still out as to whether or not she actually "loved" either of them. There were no screams or tears, but she wasn't exactly begging to ride them again either. ;) 

All in all it was a perfect way to log some serious family time and we are blessed to have had the opportunity to go.

Spilled the Beans...

We just couldn't take it. This morning after breakfast Marc and I couldn't contain our own excitement anymore and just HAD to tell Gracie and Liam what we had planned for our family next weekend: Disney World! Needless to say, Gracie was barely able to keep her painted little toes on the ground as she bounced with excitement, and Liam was thrilled to be headed to "Mickey's House". The expressions on their faces were priceless and Marc and I are relieved to no longer need to spell out anything pertaining to our trip! :)

Truth be told, though, this trip couldn't come at a better time for our family, as we are on the heels of Marc's fast-approaching deployment to Afghanistan. We were so blessed to have the opportunity to take this trip...so incredibly blessed. We decided we would start Marc's pre-deployment leave with six days in Disney, followed by a direct flight up to Michigan where we will spend time visiting with family for a week. No doubt the excitement that will fill the bulk of our travels will (hopefully) serve as a much-needed distraction from Marc heading out for 7 months, which will only be a couple weeks away upon our return. It's hard not getting a little teary eyed just typing this - the reality of it all - as it is surely going to be an emotional time for us all. However, the last three years have served as wonderful family time for us, and for that we are so thankful. God has been so faithful to us in every way, and we know He will continue that and care for our family along the road ahead.

I'm sure this next week will be crammed with all things travel related. However, we will surely have MUCH to share when we get home and can't wait to post stories of what will undoubtedly be a fantastic trip!

Gracie B and her Bugs

Gracie (and Liam, too!) have become completely infatuated with bugs lately. Last night Gracie called me into the kitchen so she could proudly show me her Daddy Long Legs that she snatched off our back porch. :)

Best Buds

Marc and I have learned one of the many joys of parenthood is watching the bond that forms between a brother and a sister. Don't get me wrong - there are plenty of moments through any given day where these two can drive one another bonkers, but for the most part, they have really become such great pals.

Last week, Marc and I were sitting on the porch watching them run around the front yard after dinner. Gracie and Liam discovered a root in the ground and were determined to pull that darn thing out of the ground. They had so much fun and were proudly exclaiming "teamwork!" while pulling and tugging together for almost an hour.

After taking many a spill into the dirt, these two were hot, sweaty and covered in dirt! :)

They had so much fun - despite the fact that they couldn't get that root to budge!

4th and Friends

Since Marc returned home from California last week it has been a busy and exciting time for our family. Gracie, Liam and I were thrilled to FINALLY show Marc our new home...and thankfully, he was not disappointed! :) He has quickly come to appreciate and enjoy the large wooded yard and the ease of keeping up with the kids on ONE floor, instead of two. Our days of chasing kids up and down stairs are behind us (well, at least for the next 3 years, that is!) - hallelujah!

We were thrilled to welcome our first house guests the weekend of the 4th. The Rosenbergs, our dear friends (and neighbors) from Quantico made the drive down and we had a BLAST! We filled our days with them going to the beach, hitting the pool, eating seafood, and hanging out by the bonfire. Needless to say, everyone had a great time and the kids were all exhausted by the time Sunday rolled around!

Marc, the kids and I had a relaxing time on the 4th. The weather here was surprisingly perfect - warm, sunny and no humidity! After a dinner from the grill, we packed up our blanket and goodies and spent the rest of the evening at the fireworks on base. Gracie was happy to curl up with Marc and enjoy the show, while Liam - nervous at first - insisted on cuddling with me on the blanket while watching.