I'm behind, way behind...

Well since Halloween, my life has been a little crazy. First visitors, then first birthdays, followed by a family vacation to Hawaii!

First up: An awesome visit with Ryan (Aaron's brother) and Briana!

 The brothers went fishing...

 and hunting...

 Uncle Ryan and Aunt Briana got to love on Kinley...

 we took them to freeze in Talkeetna...

 Briana and I showed off our strength on our way to Byron Glacier in Whitter, AK...

 posed for family photos...

 more posing...

 crossing fingers the glacier doesn't buckle...

 showed off the enormity of the glacier...

 and of course had to taste it!

Their time here was way too short! It was awesome having them here! It is weird to say but I never realize how much I miss people until I see them again. Now, if we can only convince them to leave their beach life in NJ! :)

A Ball & A Pumpkin

This past weekend was a fun one around here. Friday night, Aaron and I attended the 1-40 CAV ball at the Hilton. It was a lot of fun! There were great decorations, food, drinks, music and of course people! There is a lot that goes into a military ball. I love all the traditions of the CAV! But there are also sad parts of the night like the playing of taps for the fallen. And the empty place setting explained below:

"The following may be used when appropriate to present the Toast to fallen Comrades and to explain the significance of the dedicated place setting when it is used:

"You may have noticed the small table set for one that is off on its own - it is reserved to honour our fallen comrades in arms. This symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit. We should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation's call [to serve] and served the cause of freedom in a special way. We are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured the agonies of pain, deprivation and death.

I would like to explain the meaning of the items on this special table.

• The table is round - to show our everlasting concern for our fallen comrades.
• The tablecloth is white - symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.
• The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of our fallen comrades, and the loved ones and friends of these comrades who keep the faith.
• The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to remember our fallen comrades.
• A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those who will never return.
• A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by the families of those who have sacrificed all.
• The Holy Book represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country.
• The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us at this time.
• The chair is empty because they are no longer with us."

There is also a grog. A giant bowl filled with whatever the different troop commanders want to put in it. I have seen liquor, beer, dried spices and even socks. Yes, it is gross! It all has special meaning which makes it interesting and this year I even tasted it. It was so disgusting! But it was fun none the less. Here are some pics from the night:

 Aaron and his XO and 1SGT.

 The ladies and I having fun!

 Most of you know I am not this tall. Aaron is usually at least a good 5-6 inches taller than me. I forgot to get my dressed hemmed so the day before I went on a shoe run. My friend, Heather, was gracious enough to come shopping and help me find the tallest shoes we could find. It worked! They were actually not to uncomfortable and they did the job! I didn't trip on my dress at all that night. Surprising.

Taken with our tri-pod and remote at home. Not bad if I would have remembered to move the sippy cup and blanket. Such is the life of parents I guess!

Saturday, we woke up and decided to go to the reindeer farm for a pumpkin. Alaska is nothing like home when it comes to fall. There are no cider mills, pumpkins patches or apple orchards. So for the past 2 Halloweens, I have bought my pumpkin out of a cardboard box from Wal-Mart. So depressing! 

So this year the reindeer farm in Palmer decided to step up to the plate and have a little 'pumpkinville' moment (those back home know what I am talking about here. But it was no even close to as good!). They had a hayride, hay maze, pony rides and a pumpkin patch. Well sort of...the lady told us she was going to buy pumpkins from Sam's Club and toss then out into a field. It was still better than a Wal-Mart pumpkin!

Below were the some pictures from the adventure:

 

A great fun family day!

The Headley's in AK

 My dad and Barb came to visit us as well this summer. It was great to see them. It had been 17 months since the last time we got to visit in person. Plus, they got to meet Kinley! She had a great time. She took no time warming up to them.

 Hanging out at the top of the Alyseka Resort. I know I take a lot pf people there but it is a great view of some AK mountains. You can't beat it!

 Yes, it is the summer and she is wearing a coat and winter hat. That is AK summers for you! But we do get some pretty nice days too. So beautiful! But of course, I am a little bias!

 We took them to Whitter. It is a great little port town with a fun tunnel ride to get there. We also took them up to see Byron glacier. Barb took all those pictures though...

Aaron and dad went on a float trip down the Kenia. They had a great time! Anytime Aaron gets to fish he is happy. My dad had a blast! And who wouldn't love to fish in AK. Here is him with the guide.

We had a great time having them here. They had a blast playing on the floor with Kinley and reading her books. She does love her books! She even got a new book from them that plays AK animal sounds. She loves it! The time went by too fast of course but we will see them again soon in December.

My two loves

Boone

I knew I loved the furry little guy but I guess I didn't realize how much. It's that whole, don't know what you got til it's gone emotion. (You know you were singing that 80's tune in your head!) He was always there to greet us when we came through the door. He always made you feel important and loved no matter how bad your day had been. And even though he would eat 8.5x11 sheets of paper off the desk and slob water all over the place. He was still a great dog!

We have gone through 2 deployments together and spent countless days/night together hanging out because Aaron didn't come home because of training. I have spent more time with Boone than I have with Aaron in our marriage. He was a great friend, a fierce protector (so he liked you to think) and provided countless hours of entertainment (seeing a dog pounce like a cat never gets old!).

It has only been a week, yet I feel like it has been months since I have snuggled his head. He was definitely my little boy.  I already told Aaron I never want another dog. Ever. I know this isn't true. But the truth is no matter how many dogs our family will have, none of then will replace Boone.

I guess Kinley and I will embrace this upcoming deployment alone. And with smiles like this everyday, I think we might just make it through.

Ranger Graduation

Aaron has been away at Ranger school for the past two and a half months. The school is located at Fort Benning, GA. He was sweating to death while I was shivering!

The school is broken up in 3 phases: Benning Phase, Mountain Phase and Swamp Phase. This is by no means an easy school so I am not only really proud of him for graduating but proud that he never got recycled. You can pass the first phase and fail the second causing you to redo the whole phase. Not fun.

He started out with 374 people in his class and only 89 soldiers made it through without recycling. See, I told you I was PROUD! This is pretty normal. They say that usually only 20% of every class makes it through the first time around. By the end their were 157 in his graduating class. They pick up people along the way who have been recycled at some phase.

Before the graduation ceremony there is a show put on by the Rangers to help with families/friends understand more about what the Rangers will be asked to do. It was pretty neat to watch.

Here are just a few pictures from their demonstration:


Here are a few pictures from the graduation ceremony:

Saluting the flag at the start of the ceremony.

Aaron stood up front because he was given a Leadership award that was voted on by his peers.

Me, trying to pin on his Ranger tab. Not an easy feat in itself!

I was/am so proud of him. I love this man!

Lots of family traveled down to celebrate Aaron's graduation!

In case you are curious, here are some video clips of what they learn/do in each phase:

Phase I: click here
Phase II: click here
Phase III: click here

I didn't mention the whole Ranger school thing on the blog before this because he asked me not too. He wanted to make it through first! I can respect that. Who needs the pressure?!

I had a great time visiting friends in NC on my way to Fort Benning, GA. Although, the 100(+) temps did take a little getting used!

Boone's Birthday

This is my baby...

He turned 5 on Sunday. I really don't know where the time goes. He is already getting gray under his chin. Yikes! He has moved 4 times to 4 states, survived and helped me through 2 deployments and 1 transplant. And now he has to welcome a new addition to the family with open paws! I sometimes question his intelligence but I will never question his loyalty. He is a good friend! I can't imagine live without him in it. I hope he knows he has to be around forever!

A New Addition

God has blessed Aaron and I with our first child. He/she will be arriving this November. The sonogram is from 8weeks 5 days but I am starting my 11th week now. We are over the moon with excitement and nerves. Keep us and the little one in your prayers! Next appointment will be May 5th. I will keep you all posted!

Little People

Aaron and I rarely get home, so it was awesome to be able to go back to PA for Easter. It is always great to see family. But it is really great to see the little people of the family, nieces and nephews. They grow so fast! And it seems like we are missing a lot. But thank goodness we have sisters and sister-in-laws who send photos and videos of what they are up too! Here are a few of my favorite photos of them.

Delaney, Ryan and Briana's little one.

Delaney watching the lake. There is a lab in there swimming around. She thought it was pretty funny!

Nickie's daughter, Sydney and Aaron.

Aaron and the new addition to the family, Anderson. He is Nickie's also!

Aaron and Delaney doing the surprise face!

Aaron and Delaney showing their muscles. :)

Aaron also got some fishing in while we were home. It was funny watching him tote his fly fishing to PA from AK. But the fishing season hasn't started here yet!

I have more pictures of Anderson and Sydney. I took some for my sister to send to family. I didn't want to ruin her pics by posting them here. As soon as picks which ones she likes, I will post the others on the blog!

Random note: I love having Aaron home so I can take pics of him. There were only a few taken of me while we were home and I don't mind that at all! I can't seem to take enough pictures of him!

A Message for Me

Before Aaron deployed, he left me a little gift on our computer desktop. I watched it tonight. He had made me a little video message of him talking to me. (Sorry not telling you what he says!) I have tried not to watch the video too much because it makes me sad. I hate that I can hear him and see him yet not be able to snuggle up into his arms. Although it does tug my heartstrings I love that he did this for me! (He also left me some songs on the desktop to listen to when I feel down. I told you he was great!) We say 'I love you!' all the time in e-mails and over the phone but it is so nice to see the words roll off his lips. And they are such nice lips!

I can't wait until I hear it in person, staring into his eyes that are letting me know everything is going to be alright. I like to think I am a fairly strong women. And even though I knew marrying Aaron that deployments were part of the deal, it certainly isn't always easy. I have my nights where I crawl into bed and have a good cry because I miss my best friend terribly. I am excited for the day when I can feel his arms around me strong yet gentle, and know that for the first time in months I am whole again and that the tears are happy tears!

I am happy to say that time will come NEXT MONTH! I know! I am so stoked I can't even express it in words. I don't know exactly when and I know the date will probably change about 15 times before I finally get to attend the Welcome Home ceremony but I don't care. I can't wait to see his handsome face. I not only see the light at the end of the tunnel, I can feel the warmth from it.

Only during deployments do I wish time away at alarming rates! I know you are not supposed to wish your life away but my life is not complete without Aaron with me anyway, so I am hoping I get a free pass on that one. So with that said, I wish time would fly by until I was in my husbands arms again and listening to him tell me he loves me!

My Love

Home for the Holidays

I ventured to the 'lower forty-eight' (as they say around here) for Christmas. I had a really fun trip but learned quickly that a week wasn't enough time at home. Next time I will stay longer! The time went by too fast and the flight was too long for that short of a jaunt! It took me 11 hours to get there (thank you for only one stop!) and the trip home was 20 hrs! Of course you have to account for the 4 hour time difference. I got up at 6:00 am on the 29th and landed (or so my body thought) at 3:00 am the next day! Ugh! Although, in AK time it was only 11:00 pm.

I got to meet Anderson, my nephew, for the first time. He is so stinkin cute! And he is such a happy baby!

Syd and I doing our annual silly picture. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a nice one with her!

Anderson with his new Tonka truck.

He and I hanging out at Dad's house.

Don't you love the little mohawk!?

Syd playing her new Wii. That thing was a blast. We were all dancing to one of her game at some point in the night. Thank goodness I think (I hope!) no video was taken!

My dad with Anderson. I think they look alike! :)

Getting ready for dinner.

This what happens when I got to feed the baby!

Mom with her grandbabies.

Two great kids!

I didn't take near as many photos as I usually do. Because I am losing it at a young age I forgot to put my CF card back in my camera before I left. I got one at Wally World eventually.

Hopefully, Steph will send me the pics from my time at the Pearsall's house (hint, hint...ha ha!) I had a really good time at home but it sure went by fast. I can't wait to go back and visit again soon! I hope you all had a great Christmas holiday with your families!