Updated June 14th, 2009...

  It's been a relatively busy 5 months.... Between activities with the kids, keeping the house together and Jeff flying quite a bit, it's been hectic to say the least!  We saw Winter change to Spring, and then Spring changed to Summer... Where to begin?

  January brought some unexpected snow to the Eastern North Carolina area... Laurel was lucky enough to have the camera handy to take the following shots!

Who says swingsets are only for summer??

  But as fast as the snow came - it was gone shortly soon thereafter... 

  Alexander turned 4 years old on January 27th.  We had  a houseful of kids for Alexander's first "real" party and there was cake, ice cream, balloons and of course: presents!

Mom helped out with all the presents...

... while Caitlin helped eat some hot dogs and baked beans!

  Fortunately, Jeff was home to enjoy the festivities, but it was close!  In January, he flew over to Europe for a few weeks to support the Marine Corps' "School of Advanced Warfighting" (SAW) as the students traveled around and studied European battle fields.  While the students were deep in their studies, Jeff got to do a little sight-seeing in Istanbul and other locations.  Click here for some photos:  Click this link!

  In March, Jeff went on a three week trip out to the western Pacific - again for the SAW students as this time they checked out all of the battlefields in the Pacific.  While a long trip - almost 3 weeks, it was an exciting and enjoyable trip for Jeff as he got to travel to many new destinations that he had never been to before.  This was the first time he had ever been to Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City), Manila, and Saipan and Tinian.  He took many photos, and you can find them here at this link:  Click this link!

  In May, we took a weekend and drove up to Busch Gardens for a little getaway... They had a promotion for free tickets for military families and we had a free night at the Hilton Embassy Suites so it was an inexpensive way to get away from the eastern North Carolina area and have a little bit of fun!  While the weather was a little rainy, we took advantage of all that there was to offer and we enjoyed all the rides we could squeeze in to a 5 hour day at the park.  Caitlin had a blast on all of the little kiddie rides (as did Alexander)... But, true to form, Alexander wanted to ride on the "big boy" rides and Jeff was happy to oblige!  See below for the biggest ride that Alexander went on!!

On our way up, up, up!!! (That's Jeff waving)

On our way down, down, down!! - Alexander is on Jeff's lap, second row from the back...

The "Conqueror of Pompeii" - Victorious!  (and a little wet!)

   Not to be outdone by her older brother, Caitlin enjoyed the rides as well!

Isn't this what summer is all about??

  We have not had any real photos of Emily taken, so Jeff gave her a bath one weekend and noticed that the sun was making her look all pretty with her wet coat.  While he took numerous photos, this one is his favorite...  She's 2 and a half years old - will be three in December, and she's finally settling down a little bit and becoming less of a puppy and more of a "responsible adult".  She still lets Alexander do just about anything to her - ride her like a horse, pull her ears, tease her with sticks, etc etc... And she's every so gentle with Caitlin.  She's turning out to be a very loving member of our family!

  June has Laurel spending just under two weeks down in Florida and Alabama... in addition to doing some Army work, the kids are traveling with her as well to get some family time.  We'll post some photos when we get them off the digital camera!

  In July, we're going to take a week of vacation and travel up to our timeshare at Massunutten.  In addition to Jeff's father and step-mother coming up from Tennessee, we're really hoping that our former neighbors from New York can make it down as well!  We're really looking forward to this little vacation and we'll be posting some photos as well!

  Hope your summers are all going nicely...

 - Jeff, Laurel, Alexander, & Caitlin 

Updated Jan 1st, 2009...

 Happy New Year! 

 The kids are growing fast and we're finally settled into out new routine in North Carolina.  We're going to run down the highlights of the past six months before our annual end-of-year recap.  August through October was a whirlwind.  In August, Laurel had her birthday - we're not saying how old she turned, but it's in the thirties!

Needless to say - we all enjoyed the cake!

 Shortly after Laurel's birthday, Jeff went on a two week trip to "WestPac" - to include Hawaii, Japan and South Korea.  The mission was to fly the Enlisted Monitors overseas on the annual MMEA "Road Show".  It was his first time back in the area in some time.  He got to visit some of the places he used to see when he was stationed in Okinawa from 1995 to 1998 and also got to see a few new places.  One such location was Majuro Atoll.  It's a tiny little island in the Pacific and he stopped there for gas.  As you can see, airport security there isn't quite the same as it is in the States. 

  While it was a lot of flying, it wasn't all work, either.  Jeff got to meet up with some friends that are stationed in Okinawa as well.  It was a good trip.

  In September, Alexander started school at the local Montessori school in New Bern.  It's located right down the street, about five minutes down the road, and as you can see, he was quite excited to start pre-school and be a "big boy"!  We hear of some children who are kicking and screaming going to school - but Alexander was just the opposite - he couldn't wait to get to school and learn some new things.  He found his first couple of months a bit challenging, so we removed him from classes for the month of December (he just wasn't 'ready' - he's a bit of a class clown right now) but he'll start up again on January 5th.  Miss Michelle, his teacher, is looking forward to Alexander's return.  We are hoping that his return to school will be for good.  If not, he just not may be ready and we'll place him in a class in the Fall.   Keep your fingers crossed! 

 Also, on September 5th, we lost a member of our family.  Churchill had been getting slower and slower over the past year, and he had lost a tremendous amount of weight.  As soon as we realized that he was suffering from pain, we knew that a difficult decision would have to be made.  The below pictures were taken the day we brought Churchill to the local vet so he could be with God in heaven.  We still miss him terribly, and Alexander often asks when he will be able to see Churchill again.  It's hard hearing that from a child who's not yet 4.  He is sorely missed - such a gentle dog and such a wonderful part of our life.

On October 21st, our little princess turned ONE YEAR OLD!  It's simply been amazing watching her develop from an infant to a toddler who's walking all over the place!!

October was also met with Jeff's birthday and Halloween scariness!  We think the photo is self explanatory as to what the kids were dressed as.  Neighbors Bob & Josie were pleased that their house was the kids' first stop!

The Marine Corps Ball was held on Nov 6th, 2008.  We decided to make this a family event and got a hotel room near the convention center where the Ball was held.  There was child-care available and we had a terrific time - probably the best Ball we've ever been to!

Shortly after the Ball, Jeff flew out to Italy, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq.  It was a "VIP" flight and it lasted two weeks.  This was a historic flight as it was the first time a Marine Corps C-9 aircraft landed in Iraq.  By the way - Iraq looked just as bleak and miserable as when Jeff & Laurel were there in 2003.

When Jeff got back, the whole family hopped on an airplane and flew up to Massachusetts for Thanksgiving Vacation. Phew - no rest for the weary!  We stayed at some nice hotels and got to take a day trip up to Norwich University.  Laurel had never been up to Vermont and Jeff had not been back there since he left in 1992.  There was snow on the ground and the scenery was lovely.  We were there much too late for the autumn foliage, but Laurel enjoyed the mountains and the drive was pleasant enough.  We even got to drive up to Montpelier for an early dinner before our return drive to Mass.

Snowball fight, anyone??

  Finally, December!!  Mid-month, we drove out to Bryson City for the Polar Express ride.  If you click on the link, you may find one near where you live.  It was a good time, but kind of pricey.  Jeff's Dad & step-mother drove in from TN to meet us.  We got adjoining rooms at the Hampton Inn and Jeff & Mary even got to go to the Cherokee Harrah's casino to play a few games!  (no - neither left as 'winners')

Click in this link for photos:  Click here!  (we're new to "Facebook" so this is where new photos are going to be placed from time to time...)

Christmas was spent at home in North Carolina.  Like the previous two years, Jeff's father and step-mother drove up and Laurel's sister Monique came to visit.  This year, we had the added pleasure of Laurel's father's company as well!  The best part about Christmas is spending it with family, and for that we are very fortunate that our family is willing to make the drive to Eastern North Carolina. 

As always - Laurel drives the show during gift exchange!

Updated Jan 1st, 2009...

  2008 was a lot busier than we expected!... In case you missed our updates during the year, here are the highlights:

1. On January 27th, Alexander turned 3 years old.  
2. In April, Jeff transferred to his new duty station in North Carolina.  The family followed him down after he completed simulator training on the C-9.
3. May through July was spent with getting settled in the new house.
4. August through September were busy months - Jeff with flying and Laurel putting the finishing touched on the house.
5. October meant Caitlin turned -- ONE -- year old!!
6. In November, Jeff flew out to the Middle East for a few weeks.
7. Thanksgiving was spent in Massachusetts - Laurel and Jeff attended Jeff's 20th high school reunion while Grammy Jo and Grumps watched the kids.
8. Christmas was spent in North Carolina and Aunt Monique and Grandpa Joe (Laurel's Dad) came to visit.  Nana & Pop-Pop also came to visit as well.  It truly was a wonderful holiday!

- Jeff, Laurel, Alexander, Caitlin, Emily & Penny the cat.

  Also, be sure to check out Alexander's or Caitlin's Page from time to time to see their latest photos!