Before and After

When we bought this house last year, we knew it wasn't our dream house, but it was certainly priced right and has 4 bedrooms, which with 3 kids is the most important thing ever! We had so many things that we knew right away we wanted to work on, improve, change, etc, but with Hank deploying so quickly after moving, we also knew it was going to be a long, slow process. Almost a year later and we are finally getting some of the work started and done. One of the first things you noticed about the house was the lack of any sort of landscaping. I honestly think the previous owners just threw the bushes in the yard and wherever they landed they planted them there. We have spent just about every free moment for the last few weeks working on the front yard and the flower beds. And although the plants are young and have plenty of growing to do, I can honestly say I am so much happier with how things are looking.
This is how the house looked when we bought it. We have changed light fixtures, pressure washed walkways, painted the door and redone the flower beds. I am so proud of all the hard work Hank has put in to make things look so much better!



Finally, all done!

A sharks tale...

Hank and Tucker took off early this morning and headed to the Okaloosa Island fishing pier in hopes of getting in a little last minute fishing before the oil starts taking over the beaches and Gulf. There are reports of some big fish being caught off the piers and they were hoping to get in on some of the fun. Although they weren't quite that lucky this morning, they did manage to catch a few fish. They reeled in 2 Bonnethead sharks and 2 Whiting. Luckily, the man next to them gave them an additional Whiting and a Blue which made for a perfect supper.

First Haircut

It is with much sadness that I say we took Cutter for his first haircut today. I have had such a hard time with this decision. Cutter is my first baby with any curl to his hair at all and I LOVE those curls so much. In all honesty though he needed a little trimming so this afternoon we all went over to watch Cutter get his first haircut. Everyone was amazed at what a fantastic job he did for Ms. Rebecca. He sat so still and watched the mirror in amazement as she very carefully cut off those beautiful little curls. I don't know that Cutter has ever sat that still or quiet for that length of time. He is still just as cute as ever, and I'm hoping it won't be long before his little curls are back again!

Pre-K Art Show

Tonight we attended an art show for all the pre-k students that attend West Navarre Intermediate. Sailor was very excited and proud to be showing off some of the work she has done since she started school. They had the school cafeteria set up with all the kids art work and even had refreshments for everyone.

This cute little chick was made from Sailor's long, skinny foot, adorable!



Cutter wasn't real impressed with all of it, can you tell?

These are sand sculptures that were made of the kids hands, I thought they were really cool.

First beach walk

Yesterday was the first day since Hank got home that we have all been able to load up and go over to the beach. Cutter got to walk on the beach all by himself for the very first time. He wasn't too crazy about the soft sand but seemed to have no problems with the wet and packed sand. He also decided to try and eat a few seashells, luckily, we wrestled those away pretty quick! I have to say the military blessed up with a pretty spectacular assignment, the beaches here are so beautiful.

Family Weekend

Since Hank had work and the kids had school Friday, yesterday and today have really been the first opportunity that we've all had time to spend together. Poor Hank, Tucker and Sailor will barely let him out of their sight. Yesterday morning we got up and went to the Gulfarium. We have season passes so it makes for a nice trip that doesn't cost anything. The kids never get tired of seeing the animals and Cutter really seemed to enjoy seeing them this time.




This morning Hank and Tucker went over to the beach for a little fishing, unfortunately, they didn't have much luck. After coming back home the kids got outside and helped him clean up my truck and rake up the many leaves in the yard. I have a feeling he had far more help than he ever expected! Poor Cutter missed out on all the fun, he was inside napping instead.

Welcome Home!

After 7 1/2 months of deployment, Hank finally made it back home safely. When we arrived at the base we were able to see the guys unloading off the plane. We had to wait at the Red Horse compound for them to be transported by bus over to us and then wait for them to turn in their weapons before they were free to meet their families.
The kids waiting not so patiently for the bus to arrive.

Cutter especially liked the flags, broke his heart when I had to take it away from him.


Cutter went to Hank with no problems at all!