Kids

I had to post some of the pictures taken by our sweet friend, Jessica Hedrick. Hard to choose, but these were my favorites of each one:


Our precious Mauryn Rose. Can't believe how time flies!! I taught 4th grade for most of my teaching career, and they always seemed so much bigger than my own children...now she is going into 4th grade! Sometimes I am afraid to blink - I might miss something!

Our sweet Sadie Caroline! Her laughter is infectious. She is all girl and loves completely -heart and soul! Getting ready for 1st grade!

Denver Vance...our crazy, red-headed boy! I cannot believe my baby is going into Kindergarten. He is so fun and busy! I have never met a little boy that loves cars and trucks as much as this guy.

Ending So Soon???

It is crazy to think that our time here at Jack's Inn is coming to an end! In the beginning, 13 weeks sounded like forever, especially when we thought that we would not be able to join Jason. What a blessing it has been to get to stay here with him for the past two months and get introduced to the Army way of life.

An unexpected blessing this summer was the families we have met here. Who knew that what was meant for a very temporary, transitional time would lead to such sweet friendships. The fact that we are all in the exact same boat has allowed us to really click with a number of families. The kids have had so much fun with their "Jack's Inn Gang." (And they really do look a little intimidating when they are all on their bikes following each other around the parking lot!). With these new friends they have gone swimming, taken classes, played on the playground, rode bikes, had a kool-aid stand, a pretty amazing kid party, and some fun sleep-overs! What a summer!!

One week from today, Jason will graduate from Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course. It is so exciting, yet completely overwhelming! We are anxious to begin this new chapter as we head up North, yet so sad to leave our new "normal." But, it is an adventure! And I'm looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for us in the next few weeks.

Little Soldiers

I guess this is a new kind of play clothes for the kids! Luckily, Dad had three pairs of boots so each one could have one to try on. Of course, the fun part was watching them try and walk around in their size 11 1/2 boots!!

Myrtle Beach

Our Beach Vacation

So we went to see the Atlantic Ocean for the first time for all of us, and I was dying to go to Myrtle Beach! My sis and I loved the movie Shag when we were in High School, which takes place at Myrtle Beach. Well, it wasn't anything like the movie but we did have a good time!
The Atlantic was definitely different than the Pacific or the Gulf of Mexico. Way saltier! And the waves were much more powerful - they would knock us down! We even noticed that the sand was different, more coarse than the other beaches. We loved it and all had a great time! The kids really enjoyed the water and the sand. And it was so great watching Jason relax out in the water as he tried to jump the waves.
We walked on the pier, and ate dinner to finish our day vacation. It was a perfect family day at the beach!

A Summer of Activities

So Many Things to Do!

Mauryn on the balance beam.

Denver and Coach Henry

Sadie in her dance pose. (And yes, I made the tutu!)



We have enjoyed allowing the kids to do so many different things this summer. We have lived in a small town the past four years, and although they had some great programs that the kids loved, it didn't have everything. Being on post this summer has allowed the kids to take some cool classes.


All three kiddos are in gymnastics this summer. They have had fun together, and have learned a lot already! Their cartwheels have really improved over the last month.


Mauryn wanted to take a cooking class. She got to make all sorts of American desserts, like apple pie and cookies! She really had a good time.


Denver is in a swimming class. Last week was the first time, ever, that he put his head under the water. After one week of lessons, he is a fish! He loves wearing the goggles and seeing underwater. I guess I never thought to offer him goggles when he wouldn't go under, but as soon as I gave them to him and he realized he could see, there was no stopping him! It has been fun to watch the progress.


And Sadie has taken ballet! For those of you who know her, this has been a lifelong dream! The girl sleeps in tiara's and heels! She truly, deep down, thinks she is part princess! It has been fun watching her watch herself in the mirror as she dances! What we didn't realize is that there was a recital 3 weeks from the day we signed her up for the class. But, she did great! She got up on that stage like a pro and loved every second. I loved the praise Jason had the night of the performance during our prayer when he said, "Thank you Lord, for allowing us to embellish Sadie's girly-ness." I think he hit it on the head - so fun to watch them do the things they love.