Happy 4th of July

Aidan running the bases.

Nick enjoying some dip n dots!

Aidan sliding in the bouncy house area.

On the 4th of July we had a BBQ at home and then went to a Potomac Nationals game. They are the minor league team for the Washington Nationals. We got sprinkled on a little bit at the beginning of the game which actually kind of felt good because it was pretty warm out, but it dried out fast and we had a great time watching baseball. They had fireworks after the game which were awesome. The kids also got to run the bases at the end of the game which they loved. It was a wonderful way to spend our Holiday and our last vacation day before Jeremy went back to work.

The New Fire Pit

One of our new purchases at our new house was a fire pit. The boys have loved having fires in our backyard and most of all roasting marshmallows which seems to be their dessert of choice these days. We hope to use it a bunch more before the summer is over.

Hiking at Leesylvania State Park

The boys celebrating the end of their hike with ice cream.

The view from the top of our hike.

Taking a rest on one of the benches.

Aidan with one of the cannons along the trail.

The deer that was not afraid of us at all.

Hanging out on the fishing pier.

Last Saturday we couldn't take anymore of the unpacking of boxes and decided we needed to get out of the house so we went to the State Park that is only a couple miles from our house. Leesylvania State Park is right on the Potomoc River and has a boat launch and beach and then all kinds of hiking trails. We took one of the easier trails and hiked to the top of it and it had an amazing view of the river. The boys enjoyed the hiking for the most part. Aidan loved that this deer kept following us while we were hiking. We saw tons of deer while we were there. We can't wait to go back and try a new trail.

VBS at FBC

Aidan went to VBS at First Baptist Church the last week we were in Alabama. It was nice that he was able to go while Nick was at baseball camp because it allowed us to pack out our house without them under our feet the whole time complaining about not having a tv. Aidan had a blast and made all kinds of cute stuff throughout the week. The theme of VBS this year was The Big Apple so everything was like New York themed with taxi cabs and skyscrapers. These pictures are from his performance at the end of the week where they sang all the songs they learned. It was pretty amazing how many they learned in just a few short days and he knew all the actions too. I will try to post the video we took of him singing because it is so precious.

Father's Day

Like Father, Like Son

We celebrated Father's Day with Jeremy by sleeping in and having a big breakfast at home. Then after church we went fishing despite crazy hot temperatures. The kids had fun especially once the sun fell behind the clouds. We only caught a few fish but everyone got a few bites even if we couldn't get them in the boat. The boys made a cookie cake for Jeremy at Publix and we enjoyed that while he opened his cards and presents from the boys. All in all, it was a great way to spend our last weekend in Alabama.

SAASS Graduation

Opening his present, Firestone Beer!

Kennel #35, the place where he spent most of his time.

The boys standing outside Jeremy's school.

Jeremy and his diploma.

The playgroup girls I will treasure forever.

Jeremy getting his diploma from the Secretary of the Air Force.

His whole class.

The guest speaker, Michael B. Donley, Secretary, USAF

Today Jeremy graduated from the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies(SAASS) with a Masters in Philosophy of Military Space Power. It has been a long year but a very rewarding year. We have met many great people and have developed friendships that will last a lifetime. The boys were extremely well behaved throughout the ceremony. The secretary of the Air Force, Michael Donley was the guest speaker which was really cool. He also handed out their diplomas. It was incredibly hard to say good-bye to all our friends today. They had a little reception afterwards with cake and punch. Then we came home and celebrated on our own with presents and a trip to Logan's for lunch. We are so proud of Jeremy and all that he has accomplished and so proud of how hard he works for our family. We love you Jer!

The Book Collection

This is what Jeremy has been busy doing over the last 12 months. He has spent the majority of most days reading books. This is just a portion of the books they read this year. I guess it is time to get some more bookcases.