The Neighborhood Gang

Boy did we get lucky when it came to neighbors! We were fortunate enough to have two little boys (3 and 5) live right next door. Everyday after school we play outside until dinner. The kids get along wonderfully. Plus, their mom Tania is hilarious and I love hanging out with her. Meeting them has really helped us feel more comfortable in Virgina.


Hanging out on our stoop having a treat

Our Cardboard City (something good came out of all those boxes)


I still haven't taken any pictures of our new place. Everything may be unpacked but it's still a mess around here. The dishwasher was leaking, the AC went out. I had a plumber out last week. Then to boot I was in bed all weekend with a nasty bug. We're having some friend's over for dinner this weekend so everything should be ready for pictures by then...I hope!

Hey Good Looking

Treston has turned into such a happy baby. He is constantly smiling and giggling. I think he may be responsible if my neighbor Tania ends up pregnant. It's hard not to just adore this little guy. He is still a bean pole, but we're working on it. He is rolling every where and is sitting up on his own. My least favorite is his new love for the game fetch...TJ throws it, mommy fetches it. Gotta love it!

Lydia's First Day of School

Lydia was so excited for her first day of Kindergarten. I really thought since we had only been in Virgina for 3 days that she would feel overwhelmed and not want to go...nope, not even close. I was the one who had a total break down. Now I will give my self a little leeway. She started school on the same day that John went back to work and the day that the movers were coming. It was a crazy. My stomach was in knots. My baby was going to a school where I knew no one, I barely knew how to get there! I only managed to take a few shots of her before I started to feel sick...Yep, I had to put my camera down and haul it to the bathroom (the one that wasn't working, but that's a whole different story) to throw up. This Marine wife who has made it through a war, long separations and my share of hardships came totally unglued at the idea of my little girl going to school all day. A few days later I can't get her on the bus soon enough. Addi and I miss her, but let me tell you, 2 kids is like a walk in the park. I am thankful that she transitioned so easily. She amazes me everyday, she has no fear. I'm lucky to have such a sweet spirit in my life.

We're Alive!!

We're here! I may have been ready to run away from the car pulling my hair out by the time we hit Ohio, but we made it! There is a lot to tell but I have a few more boxes that are calling my name from the basement...."Rochelle, open me....Rochelle, come find me before you realize you need me.....ROCHELLE"

So blogging is not on the list right now. I will post pictures and stories of our crazy transition to Virgina soon! Miss you all in Minnesota. Thanks to everyone who have called and checked up on me. If I haven't yet, I will call asap.

Big Guy

I have been so busy getting ready for our move to Virgina that I haven't posted any new pictures of Treston for John. So heres your big guy John-

Idaho Trip Part 3

Train ride with Goldilocks, Mother Goose and Theo the Bear

Idaho Trip Part 2

We took the kids to their first baseball game.

Idaho Trip Part 1

We went camping in Stanley, Idaho. It was beautiful!

Missing Daddy

The girls have done really well since John left a month ago. We've had some tears from both, but they are being so strong. They're doing better then I am! Addison tells me everyday that she misses her daddy and wants to snuggle with him. Lydia is definitely missing the fun side of having John around. She just doesn't understand why I won't take them to the water park by myself. :)



She did this one all by herself!!

**One more month until John gets to come home for Labor Day Weekend :)**

Seriously! I have some cute kids!

I have been trying to learn how to use my camera in manual for a few months now and what a project it has been! I have sat over my computer for hours trying to figure it out (now you know what I do with the little free time I have while John is gone). Anyone who has learned to only shoot in manual understands my pain, but it is so worth it. Especially when I get shots of my girls like these.

Aren't they turning into beautiful little girls? It just makes my heart melt!