Updates coming soon...

Since we have had grandparents here we have been really busy. My parents are leaving on Monday so I will be posting updates this upcoming week as well as posting new pictures to snapfish. We have had fun with Grammy and Papa and have loved having them here. It will be quiet around here the first few days after they have left so that will give us the time to rest up - which will also give me some time to get this blog caught up. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and have fun plans for the New Year.

18 Month Well Baby

Addison had her 18 month well baby check up today. And she checked out great! Her head is in the 75th percentile - Charlie always says her head looks big for her little body... Height and weight in the 50th percentile. The weight is the one I was surprised by as she has always been lower on the charts. Finally, she is starting to catch up! Have to go in on Monday for two shots and since daddy is off, I am going to send him to take care of that while I am at the dentist! It's his turn anyway!

Thanks Dr. "Bones" for taking care of our girl. I know it isn't your job - but we are greatful you will take care of her when her clinic won't! You are awesome!

Military ID...

left in hubby's truck. EXCELLENT! Not much I can do today without it. I can't really leave base because I won't be able to get back home. Which means I can't run out and pick up the pictures I ordered at Walgreens or get wrapping paper to wrap Christmas presents. Can't purchase a hat on base at the BX for Addison to play outside in. Need stamps, but have no id to go to the post office on base. Boy, you don't really realize how dependent you are on that sucker until you don't have it! So right now I sit either waiting for Charlie to take a lunch break and bring it to me or for my parents to use their visitors pass to get me over to Charlie's truck to get my id. Urgh! Double urgh!

In the meantime, I will blog - and probably blog about nothing in particular or of importance...

Addison and I have such a busy week this week. Here goes.

Today - if we get this id thing figured out - we are going out to Pier Park to help Grammy finish up her Christmas shopping. Maybe have some yummy lunch at Red Robin or Panera Bread - yum! I also have a few errands I would like to run while we are out. Tonight Addie and I are spending the night down at the beach house.

I have a dentist appointment tomorrow. (Ewww!) And while I am there, Addie will be with Grammy and Papa at the beach. After that, I get to FIGHT Lily and get her into the vet for a shot and a mani/pedi. (I wish I was so lucky to be going for a mani/pedi tomorrow.) I haven't decided yet, but we may stay down at the beach on Tuesday night as well so Grammy and Papa can see Addie on Wednesday morning.

Wednesday afternoon we have a Christmas get-together with our Mops table. It will be fun - a book exchange and yummy treats. So far we have missed every single table get-together we have had due to one thing or another. It will be fun for us to meet all of my new friends' kids as I have not been able to do that yet.

Thursday this week is a Mops day so our morning will be consumed with that. And hopefully a walk on the beach with Grammy and Papa that afternoon as the weather is supposed to warm up towards the end of the week. It has been pretty cold since they have been here and we haven't had much time to play with them on the beach.

I am hoping we can have a quiet, restful day on Friday. After this busy, busy week, we are going to need it. And after Charlie gets off work on Friday, he starts his leave.

Charlie isn't able to take the week of Christmas off, but he is taking all of next week off. The following week - the week of Christmas - is a short week. As is the week of New Year. So really, the bulk of his working is over for the year. I know he is really anxious for a break. As per usual, he is working long, hard hours. He usually does this and than reaches a point where he gets really close to burning himself out. We have some fun things planned while he is off, but I think the majority of our time will be spent relaxing - hopefully down at the beach house!

We had a major disapointment with our Christmas tree yesterday. We noticed earlier in the week that the tree was very dry but that it wasn't taking any of the water that was in the stand. We thought we would try and drill some holes in the trunk to see if we could force getting water into it. However, after we took it out of the stand we could not get that thing to stand straight in the stand. It kept tipping over. And because it was so dry, every time it would tip over it would lose a ton of needles. So after an hour of fighting the tree, we ended up un-decorating it and taking it down. SAD! Luckily, we had purchased a small tree for Addie's room and moved that one downstairs. It is tiny but does the job. I have not been interested in having a fake tree until this year. So the day after Christmas when they are on sale, I am going to break down and buy a fake tree. I know I will miss the smell - but isn't that what candles are for? (I know I won't miss the mess!)

In other news, Addie went tinkle in the big girl potty again this morning. That is only the second time, but I feel like we are moving in that direction. Which is good because I am tired of diapers. I am so proud of her and she was just as proud of herself.

More pics from the Christmas party

Here are some more pictures from the children's Christmas party yesterday.

Base Kids Christmas Party

Yesterday was the kids Christmas party on base. We didn't take Addie last year because she was so little, but we decided to take her this year. Mainly we thought it would be our chance to get her to see Santa so we wouldn't have to take her to the mall to see him. Anyway, Grammy wanted to go with us too and Addie loved that! It was a big to-do - there were craft tables, lots of food, games, and FIVE blow up jumpy house-thingys. (Which Addie LOVES!) We wouldn't let her go down the big blow up slide because it was huge, but she did do a little bouncing in a couple of the houses and she did two little crafts. Grammy helped her make a Santa with a cotton ball beard and daddy helped her make a reindeer using her hands and paint to make the antlers. Both are very cute and I am excited to have some original baby Christmas art to add to our holiday decoration surplus. In fact, I think I am going to frame the reindeer because it is so cute! Addison looked adorable in the outfit Grammy bought her - red velvet dress, black velvet jacket, cream tights and black velvet shoes. ADORABLE - so much so I could just eat her up. Totally over-dressed but gorgeous just the same. And of course, Santa arrived in the back seat of an F-15, which is always neat to see! We decided while we were there not to have her sit on Santa's lap. There were so many kids and they were calling up kids alphabetically by their last name. Had we waited, we would have been there until Christmas! So she didn't get to see Santa, but overall she had a great time. (No need to worry, we are taking her to see Santa when Uncle Jake and Aunt Brandi are here in a few weeks.)

Star Fish and Sand Dollar

While we were out on the beach we came across a live star fish and two really cool sand dollars. I have to post them because they were so cool.

Walk on the Beach

Friday morning, Addie and I got up and went for a walk on the beach with Grammy and Papa. Because the surf had been so rough from the crazy weather we had been having there were lots and lots of shells on the beach. Addie looked so cute carrying the big bucket up and down the beach looking for shells. She got the hang of it too because by the time we were done, she was picking up every shell she could find out there - even broken, ugly ones. I was worried about taking her out there because she loves the water and I thought for sure she would make a bee-line right to the water. Luckily she only did it once and stopped when I told her no. I think she just got so involved in picking up shells and watching daddy's airplanes fly over that she forgot the water was there!

Grammy and Papa are here...

My parents and Newly made it here from their long road trip across the country on Wednesday evening. They had spent the last two days at Jake an Brandi's in Beaumont but were still tired and ready to be done with driving for a while. The weather had been terrible most of their trip and was really bad the whole day here while Addie and I waited for them down at the beach house. (Wednesday morning we woke up at 5:45 in the morning to the base sirens going off. We were under a tornado warning and had another one that same morning at around 10. Scary!!!) They got to the beach house about 5:30 that evening where we had dinner waiting for them. We didn't stay long there because they were tired and Addie hadn't napped at all that day.

On Thursday we took them to run some errands to help get them set up in the beach house - groceries and such. Addie and I went home for nap time and than went back down to the beach to spend the night with them. After all, the Civil War was on...

Most of you probably watched the game - it was nationally televised on ESPN. It was a great game - typical Civil War - back and forth, back and forth. It was intense - more so than in years passed... the Rose Bowl was at stake for the winner. The Beavs lead most of the game, but did end up losing in the end. Needless to say, this was not the ending we had hoped for. We were all hoping for a trip to Southern California from Santa this year on New Year's Day. Now we are waiting to find out which Bowl Game we are going to. I am hoping it is a good one and maybe my parents can catch it on their way back to WA.

Save a Horse...

Ride a black dog...

Christmas Tree

I always decorate for Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving. This year was no exception. And usually we wait a few weeks to put the tree up. But I was so excited to see Addie's response to the tree that I asked Chuck if we could go get our tree and put it up early. On Friday evening, we went out and got our tree. (Addie was a big help getting the tree in the stand!) We let it sit over night to "drop it's branches" and than decorated it Saturday evening. Addison was curious for a little bit - she "ooohed and aaahed" over the ornaments. She would even take them over to the tree and hold them up to the tree. She couldn't quite figure out how they stayed on the tree so I tried to show her. That didn't really work, so she would just bring me the ornaments and would just show us where she wanted them. Obviously being that she is 18 months old, the tree is very interesting and I think to date, I have all ready re-decorated the bottom of the tree about a dozen times. I am finding ornaments all over the house - but luckily we were smart and put the breakable and valuable ornaments out of arms reach.

Christmas shopping... DONE!

I can say that as of yesterday, our Christmas shopping is done! I have never been done this early - and now the problem is just stopping! The house is decorated, the cards are almost in the mail. Now I have to wrap - YUCK!!! And I have two little craft projects I want to attempt. (Well, one is a craft, the other is simply downloading videos of Addie onto DVD's.)

I could seriously buy forever and ever for little Missy! It is ridiculous how many cool things are out there for the little ones. And everything I see for her I think "Oh, she would have sooo much fun with that." Did they have all this cool stuff when we were kids and if so, how did our parents ever stop? Christmas morning around here is going to be STUPID - the amount of stuff she is getting - just from us. And I know in the future, when she understands Christmas we really need to tone it down as it is important to us that she learns the real meaning of the holiday. But in the meantime, we are having FUN!!!

Addie and I started our little baking tradition yesterday. I have very fond memories of my mom baking for the holidays while I was growing up and I really want Addison to have the same memories. Since we don't have family here to bake for, I am baking and Chuck is taking into the squadron for his co-workers to enjoy. Yesterday we made snowballs and oatmeal/chocolate bars. Both were very tasty!

Grammy and Papa get here tomorrow night. They are at Jake and Brandi's in Texas right now. I have a few errands I need to run today to help them get all settled and I need to get somethings lined up to take down to the beach house for Addison since I am sure she will be spending A LOT of time there over the next month or so! I think Addison, for as much as she understands, is looking forward to having them here. And I know for certain they are excited to be here with her!

Thursday night - and I don't know why it is Thursday night - is the all important CIVIL WAR. Oregon State - my alma mater - takes on our arch enemy the Oregon Ducks. It is a big game as usual, but this year there is A LOT at stake. Whichever team wins is going to the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. The Beavs haven't been there since sometime in the 1960's - I believe. I am sure it will be a good game and we may have to start drinking early in the day to get through it because I am SURE there will be tense moments. We hate the Ducks with a passion but those bastards always manage to make our heart stop time and time again during the Civil War. Many years, I have been on my knees praying during the game. No joke! Last year, Chuck couldn't even watch it with me I was so bad. Now that is saying something!!!

Saturday is the base Kids' Christmas party. Santa will be arriving in an F15. We are dressing Addie up really cute and taking Grammy and Papa with us. This is the only time we are planning on taking her to see Santa this year, so hopefully we get some good pics like we did last year! I will post what I get!

I think I can officially say now that it is December - HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Thanksgiving

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving has all ready come and gone. We had a great day. As usual, we had pumpkin pie for breakfast while watching the Macy's Day Parade. This year, I added mimosas to the tradition. Yum! We didn't spend the day alone. One of Chuck's friends from the Academy brought his family over from Pensacola for the day, and they spent the night too. We hadn't seen the Robbins since 2004 so it was a great day to catch up with them. Of course we had too much food and have been eating left overs since. All in all, it was a such a great, low-key day. Of course, we are so thankful for so many things we have been blessed with and that made the day even that more special.

We didn't venture out to far yesterday on black Friday. We went to Walmart and Kmart, but by the time we made it there the madness had all but cleared out. Other than that, we spent the day decorating the house for Christmas. Even went as far as buying our tree last night - getting ready to decorate it here in a few minutes. Friday, again, was a great family day.

My parents are officially in the car on the way here. They made it to Twin Falls, ID last night and last I talked to them today they were outside of Vegas. They will be with my brother and sister-in-law by Monday and with us by Wednesday night or so. We are excitted to have them here but I think they are both going crazy waiting to get to this little one...

Holiday Shopping

I can very easily say that with the exception of two people, we are officially done with our Christmas shopping. I have never been done this early - I usually don't even start until our Christmas decorations are up which is always the weekend after Thanksgiving. I am so on the ball this year!

Actually, the truth is, I don't want to have to be out Christmas shopping while my parents are here - they get here next Wednesday. I just want to be able to hang out with them as much as I can.

There is a problem being done this early though! I keep buying for Addie even though I need nothing else for her. I just keep seeing such cute clothes and outfits that she MUST have... My thinking though is now that I am done, I won't be going into stores therefor no longer coming across MUST-haves for her. We will see how that works...

And I think other than last minute cleaning - and obviously the cooking - we are ready for Thanksgiving too. We did all the grocery shopping over the weekend. I set my table today even though I will admit it isn't the prettiest Thanksgiving table I have ever done. (No dried leaves or homemade cranberry candles this year. I am not even breaking out the fine china this year.) I will bake my pies tomorrow so we can have pumpkin pie for breakfast on Thanksgiving while watching the Macy's Day Parade.

Charlie is especially excited for Thanksgiving this year. He always does the cooking which as you know is sooo much work. And every year he says "Next year I am not doing as much." But it never fails we do just as much as the year prior. I think for about a week now, he has been walking around the house saying "I can't wait for Thanksgiving." I am not sure why.

Today, I am thankful for my husband. For so many reasons but for his love for cooking in particular. I don't mind cooking but I certainly don't like to do it every night and I am not as good at it as he is. I am so thankful that he picks up my slack in this department and doesn't mind doing it either. Of course, I am thankful for him for so many other reasons- too many to get into on our blog. But just want him to know.

Ultra Sound

I am off to have an ultra sound this morning. I am told that there is nothing to be concerned about, but that the ultra sound is just a precaution. There may be some fibroids in my uterus because I have been having some issues that last few months. The doctor is pretty confident that if there are, they are not cancerous - which is good considering I don't think I am done with those parts. Addie needs some siblings and that will be really hard if something is wrong in there. Anyway, I won't have any results for a while as I won't even get the results from today until my next doctor appointment which isn't for another couple of weeks. I am a little nervous, but am comfortable with the doctor I have been seeing and feel she would be honest with me if she felt like there was something to be concerned about. I guess I will just have to keep busy over the next few weeks to keep my mind off it - which I don't think will be a problem at all! Wish me luck...

Thanksgiving at the Squadron

Addison and I met up with Charlie at the squadron today for the American Hornet Thanksgiving meal. It was really nice - lots of people - lots of food. I will say though, it was really weird eating turkey, stuffing, and all the other fixings at a picnic table outside. Only in Florida, I guess! (It is 70 here today!!!)

Today I am thankful for the men and women of the 43rd fighter squadron. As well as all the other men and women who serve our country. I am thankful for the freedoms that their service gives me. Thank you!

Potty Time

Addison has figured out how to take her diaper off. Even when she has pants on. She has been doing this for about three weeks now and after the first week or so, I decided that if she was going to take her diaper off, I was going to put her on the potty everytime she does it. Full well knowing she is a little to young to be potty trained, I just thought sitting her down on the potty would get her used to the idea. In the last few days, whenever we are changing her she either points to the bathroom, or gets up and walks over to the potty. (Making progress!) This morning while I was getting her ready for her bath she walked over to the toilet. More out of habit than anything, I put her on the potty - AND SHE WENT TINKLE!!!! Of course, I made a huge deal out of it and she got really excited about what she had done. I am such a proud mama right now. But am curious to know if this means we should really be working on her or just keep doing what we have been doing? She isn't even 18 months yet, but she seems to be getting the whole idea. Thoughts???

$5 Meal Exchange

Addison and I met up with some of the ladies and kids from our neighborhood today for a $5 meal exchange. The idea was to bring a dish that cost $5 or less to buy all the ingredients. We were all to bring the dish and extra copies of the recipes to share. We met up at the park by the community center here in base housing so while we were eating and chatting like mom's do, the kiddos were able to run and play, hopefully wearing themselves out! It was a fun lunch and what a great idea! So anybody out there looking for a fun and unique idea for a get together, I highly recommend it! Who doesn't love to eat, socialize, spend less money and get new recipes??? I am thinking of two different events in the future that I am going to steal this idea for... Here is the recipe I used today... (Over the next few days, I will post some of the other recipes I got today - many yummy, yummy things!)

One-Dish Pasta and Veggies

1 1/2 cups of uncooked pasta - any kind (I used corkscrew cause the kids like it)

1 cup carrots

1 cup broccoli

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Cheddar Cheese Soup

1/2 cup milk

1 tablespoon prepared mustard

* Cook pasta according to package directions. Add carrots and broccoli the last 5 minutes of cooking time. Drain.

* Mix soup, milk, mustard. Add pasta and veggies. Stir together.

I always add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste - as well as peas and a bag of shredded cheddar. (Other veggies that are good in it are squash, zuccini, onion, corn, tomato - you can use really whatever you have.)

ENJOY!

New Family Picture

A few weeks ago, we had our family pictures taken on the beach. Most of you know that once Addison sees the beach she makes a bee-line for the water. So needless to say, she did not have the attention span needed for this years holiday picture. The photographer was only able to get about 8 and of those 8 only 2 really turned out well enough to use for our Christmas card. This picture is also our new profile picture.

The Holidays

I realize we still have Thanksgiving to get through - and while I always love Thanksgiving, I am very motivated this year to get my Christmas shopping done early. My mom and dad are going to be spending the month of December here at a rented beach house so I am feeling the rush to get the shopping done early so I don't have to do it while they are here. I am having a little luck so far and am lucky in that Chuck and I have decided to only do stocking stuffers for each other rather than a big Christmas. His stocking is almost done. I just have to get it out to see how much more - if anything - I need to get it full. Addison is super easy, in fact, we got her half way done over the weekend. And of course, Grandparents are easy too - give them some baby pictures and they are content. I just feel like there are a lot of other people I need to buy for that I am having a hard time with ideas. (Teenage boys? What do you get them?)

And while I am motivated to get my shopping done, I am not as enthused about the holidays this year as I have in years past. In all honesty, I think the HOOOOOOT weather here is throwing me for a loop. It is hard to feel like it is Christmas out when it has only cooled off to the 80's in the last few weeks. Not holiday weather if you ask me!

I keep thinking I should just focus on Thanksgiving first. It is a week from Thursday!!! How is that possible??? A first we thought it would be just the three of us, but our dinner has grown to include one of Chuck's Academy buddies and his family - they are stationed in Pensacola, and possibly a couple in the squadron who will have just had, or be getting ready to have, a baby. While I do not have to worry about the menu - Chuck is the Thanksgiving chef around here - I love to have a beautiful table for the day. And since the house gets so thrashed in the process of the holiday, I would really like to have it clean too so it isn't doubly trashed after dinner.

And of course, our Thanksgiving weekend always includes the decorating for Christmas. So I really, really need to drag/find my bins with the decorations... A big undertaking in itself! Maybe if I can get myself through Thanksgiving and get my house decorated for Christmas, I will be feeling in the holiday mood. Let's hope!

Holly Fair

I ran away yesterday with some girlfriends to the Panama City Beach Junior League's annual Holly Fair. Being that my mother has been taking me to craft shows and bazaars since I was knee high to a grass hopper, the show was so-so. I have been to so many great, great, great ones throughout the years that this one couldn't even compare. It was nice, but there weren't as many vendors as I thought there would be and there was A LOT of jewlery. (And no quilts, mom!) I only bought a few things - some stocking stuffers for Charlie and my ornament for the exchange at the next MOPS meeting.

Everytime I do to these events, I think to myself that I am really going to get on the stick and get crafty. I always tell myself that "next year" I am going to enter into a craft fair and try to make some money for the holidays. And every year, it's the same thing. I get all motivated and get going for a few weeks and than get side-tracked and loose my mo-jo. If all works the way we are hoping, next fall I will have a lot of time to do these things and will be able to hit the circuit with my mom and make some mula!

It was super nice to be away with some girlfriends for a few hours. And I think Charlie really looked forward to having that baby all to himself all morning as he hadn't seen her much last week. They had fun - they went to the playground, played outside. (Daddy may have had even more fun than she did.) And even though it was nice to be away, the best part of the day was walking in the door and meeting a little girl with a big smile on her face, a "mama," and her arms up for a hug! You can't beat that!

MOPS Day

Today was a MOPS morning for us. It was a busy one too. It was my tables turn to provide the food, so I had three dishes to take in. We also collected the food for our canned for drive. (I did well - I took 32 items for the drive.) We had to bring our favorite picture as well as our Operation Christmas Child shoe box donation - which I walked off and left at home.

Again, I was really pleased with the report I got from Addison's "teacher." They went on and on about how good she is. One of the ladies in the room went as far as saying that Addie is "the sweetest thing - I may just have to steal her." Ok, so that sounds creepy, but she is a little old lady who volunteers her time at the church, so it didn't bother me at all. But it is always nice to hear from an outside source, what you know to be true - that your baby is AWESOME!

It was a good meeting. Today we had a guest speaker - a local photographer. (His wife is in our MOPS group.) He talked about some of the basics of photography and how to take great shots of our little ones. I found it really ironic that today of all days is the day he came to speak to our group. I have been thinking a lot lately as to pursuing a "career" in photography - even going so far as talking to schools. (Being a military wife, getting another degree in photography isn't really an option as only two schools nationwide offer online photography degrees.) After he was done speaking, I approached him when the meeting was over. I wanted to find out where to start, what he suggested, etc. He graciously gave me a lot of helpful hints and was kind enough to answer all my questions.

Needless to say, I don't know if photography is something that I will pursue. I have a few other things that I would like to do as well - event coordinating or interior design. But I feel like those two career options are things I need to attempt once Chuck is out of the Air Force as those are both client based businesses. While photography is too, I feel like photography is something that would be easier to start over with every time we move. The one advantage I have is that whenever we move somewhere, I automatically have a social network because of the squadron. That would help me get myself up and running each and every place we move to. Because what military family - or any family for that matter - doesn't want pictures taken of their kids, families, events, etc? And don't those pictures turn out better when the "subjects" are comfortable with their surrondings and the person taking the pictures? Definitely!

I am feeling pretty positive about what I learned today however and think that photography may be something feasible for me. I am defintely getting to the point where I need to do something outside of the house for myself. I love being home with Addie, but I think for my sanity and my child's, I need to get out and be creative. I am also thinking about taking over one of the "jobs" in our MOPS group. One of our members is moving and obviously has to give up her position. It doesn't seem like there is too much work involved - only about three hours a week - so I am considering it. I will let you all know what I decide on that.

Addison is napping now. I am hoping it will be a long one - it should be since she was up early and busy from the get-go - but I am not going to hold my breath. Only other thing is store for the day is a trip to the store to get diapers. (Have I mentioned recently, how over diapers I am? Is it too soon to start the dredded potty training?) Weather is good so I am hoping to get Addie outside to play but since it gets dark so early now, I am not sure if that will work out or not.

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is two weeks away all ready. Before you know it, Christmas will be here and gone. I hope you all have wonderful plans lined up for the holidays...

We survived the storm...

Well, we survived the "hurricane." Quite frankly, it was a whole lot of hub-bub for a little wind and rain. It may have been worse other places, but we didn't even lose power here. Thankfully! Hurricane Ida, you didn't impress me!

This week... Cancelled

We had a crazy week planned. Doctor visit today, Pampered Chef party tonight, Addison doctor appointment tommorrow, November coffee tommorrow night, Veteran's Day Wednesday, MOPS Thursday. At this point, tonight's activity and tomorrow's night activities have been cancelled.

For those of you who haven't been paying attention, we currently are bracing for Hurricane (Tropical Storm, now) Ida. Presently the wind is blowing lightly and it is raining, but it sounds like the worst of the weather is hitting Pensacola now. Ours is supposed to hit us in the middle of the night. I am not convinced it will and I hope I am right. In the meantime, we are just sitting here. I keep thinking that at some point tonight our power is going to go out and we will be sitting here in the dark. (Sure hope that doesn't happen because what will I do without facebook???)

Funny that this is happening now because Chuck and I were just talking over the weekend about how we made it through our first Florida hurricane season without a hitch. I guess that is what we get for saying that... We totally ticked off the weather Gods and this is our punishment. HAHAHA The end of hurricane season is a mere three weeks away. Strange to get one so late in the year, but as long as the weather continues on like it is now, it will be a walk in the park. And besides, we could use the rain. (Again, I probably just jinxed us.)

I guess if you don't hear from us over the next few days, you will know we have no power. But I will do my best to at least post something on here so everyone will know we are okay.

Halloween

Neither Chuck or myself are really very excitted when it comes to Halloween. That being said, we have been pretty good sports about getting involved with the Halloween hoopla since we have become parents. But since Addison is still pretty little, we didn't think she would be interested in trick or treating. I thought we would be out for a little while and she would loose interest and than we would spend the rest of the evening chasing her. We made the decision about a month ago that we were going to sit it out one more year with her. We thought that the party at the ACS squadron here was good enough and that she wouldn't even know what she was missing. Our plan may have succedded too if we wouldn't have been giving out candy at our house. Because we had such a steady stream of trick or treaters, I had to leave the front door open. Addison stood at the screen door looking at all the other kids coming and going for a good 45 minutes. She lookes like someone had stolen her puppy - she looked so sad. We briefly talked about getting her dressed up to take her out at the last minute, but the only thing I had ready for her to wear was the hula costume and it was way too cold for that. Boy, to see the look on her face made me feel terrible and I can safetly say that I don't ever want to disapoint that child ever again.

We had such a huge turn out too! All week, I kept telling Chuck I didn't think we had enough candy. On Saturday morning we got up and went and bought an additional five bags - bringing our total to 8 bags of candy. Wouldn't you know - we still ran out! Barely an hour into it, we had to turn our light off. (And I wasn't being really generous either - every kid was getting one peice.) Holy smokes! I guess next year I will know that Sam's Club will be making a fortune off the Schuck's at Halloween.

PS, have I mentioned how much I dislike Halloween?

Pumpkin Carving

I thought Addison would be really interested in carving pumpkins. I stripped her down, layed out some plastic on the counters and the floor, and had prepared myself for a mess like no other! However, she surprised me! I couldn't believe how NOT interested she was in the whole process. I am guessing she gets her lack of enthusiam in regards to pumpkin carving from me - because I detest it! (Yes, detest!) But I was a good sport and carved one anyway - I can't remember the last time I did it - and remarkably, it wasn't as bad as I remembered.

This was about as interested as she got and it only lasted about 30 seconds.

The finished product.

My pumpkin.

Lane's pumpkin. This one didn't last long - it was moldy and rotten within 2 days...

Seriously, not interested!

Beach Time with Grammy

No trip to see us in Florida would be complete with out a trip to the beach. On Sunday of my mom and Lane's trip, we got up early. After taking Charlie to work - he was heading to Atlanta for the week - we drove down to Mexico Beach for a morning in the sun. When we left the house, we were kind of worried because it was pretty chilly. However, by the time we got to the beach, the temperture out was perfect - there was even a light breeze to keep the bugs away and to prevent it from getting miserable hot.

It is always fun for me to watch the look on people's faces when they see the white powder beaches here for the first time. And Lane was no exception. He kept saying "it looks like powdered sugar" and it does. Lane was also amazed that in October you could still get into the water. I kept telling him that the water is cold now, but I don't think he believed me. But I guess compared to the Pacific Ocean - a body of water you can't get into ANYTIME of the year - the Gulf of Mexico was feeling good to him.

We had a good time at the beach. I especially had a nice time because I got to sit and enjoy - and Grammy chased the little one for a couple hours. (I miss just sitting and enjoying the sound of the waves.)

Saturday October 24, evening

While my mom was here, Charlie and I thought it would be a great time to take advantage of having a babysitter and have a date night. Grammy was more than happy to do the job. So Charlie and I headed out to Pier Park in Panama City Beach for dinner and a movie. Panera Bread was a real treat since we have to drive quite a distance to have it. And I highly recommend seeing the movie "Couples Retreat." It is a great date movie. All in all, it was a great night for us to get away and we truly enjoyed going out to a meal and having a conversation that wasn't interupted every five seconds by an impatient toddler!

While we were gone, Lane and my mom went on an "alligator hunt." They weren't successful, but Addison did help them find a park to play at instead!

"Come on, Grammy! The park is this way."

Actually, they had spotted a bald eagle that they were trying to get close to so Lane could take a picture.

She doesn't ride in the wagon, she pulls it!

World's strongest baby! (Wouldn't that be nice - Grammy is actually holding her up!)

How can my baby be such a big girl all ready?

There are just no words for this one. She is such a silly kid!

Saturday October 24, morning

"I want this one, daddy!"

Posing for a quick picture.

"I will take this one too!"


She really liked climbing on, around - pretty much all over the pumpkins.

Checking out the small pumpkins.

Also, our new profile picture is from that day at the pumpkin patch.

Our original plan was to take my mom and Lane to the beach on the Saturday of their visit. But after looking at the weather report, we decided to change our plans due to rain. Well, it didn't end up raining, but we went with our alternate plan anyway.

Last year, we didn't carve pumpkins, let a lone buy any. So we thought this year we would get some pumpkins, but we wanted to take Addison to a pumpkin patch. We thought it was something she would really like and would wear her out as well. Of course, we weren't there nearly long enough for her as she threw a fit when it was time to go, but we got some great pictures and she did enjoy it. We will definitely do it again next year - we may even take her to the pumpkin patch in Cottondale, FL where there is a petting zoo as well. (Probably would have just gone there in the first place, but we didn't find out about that one until after the fact.)

Thanks to all my PC facebook buddies who hooked us up with the pumpkin patch we went to. Until you guys told me, I hadn't been able to find one on the internet.

Friday Oct. 23rd

Last Friday my mom, and Lane - a friend's son, flew down to Florida to spend a long weekend with us. The took the red eye and arrived early on Friday morning. Lane had never been on an airplane before so he was really excitted and not interested in taking a nap...

That being said, Addison and I drove to Chuck's squadron to get Lane and my mom out on the flight line to get up close and personal with the F22. A very wide-eyed Lane had lots and lots of questions for Charlie. I think it is safe to say that Lane was impressed.

After that, Addison and I took them home and we all took a nice, LONG nap.

At 3, we took Addison to a Halloween party at one of the squadron's here. The ACS squadron hosts this party every year in thier building. There are crafts, games, snacks, face painting, haunted houses. They go all out! They also decorate all the offices and kids are invited to dress up, come in and trick or treat. Since we feel like she is too little to take her out to trick or treat, this was her moment - and the main reason Grammy came for the visit. And not only was Addison ADORABLE, but she was pretty fearless too. (She had no issues walking into haunted rooms to get candy - she even did better than some of the bigger kids who were scared!)

And I think you will all agree, she was totally adorable in her hula costume! I really struggled deciding what we were going to dress her up as - I thought about a black cat, a ballerina, or a hula girl. All would have been cute - because let's face it - Addison would be cute in ANYTHING she put on - but I think we made the best choice. Not only was she above and beyond cute, there were NO other hula girls at the party so she was totally unique.

Vote for Addison

I have enterted Addison in a cute kid contest. Go vote for her! Here is the link...

http://gapc-vote.com/?p=1874815

Technical Difficulities

I have so much to get you all caught up on. We had company over the weekend and did some very fun things. However, I am having some difficulties posting pictures to each blog. I am finding myself becoming very frustrated as I am not sure if it is the website or our STUPID computer. (More than likely the computer because it is a HUNK of junk!) So rather than continue to get mad, I am going to walk away. Please check back in a couple of days. You won't want to miss all the cute pictures I have to post!

Jacksonville

We put the dogs in a kennel on Friday and headed to Jacksonville for the weekend. We went with the idea that we were going to head to Carmax and sell them my car - more about that later - and we met up with some good friends.

We left really early Saturday morning. We thought it was only a four hour trip, but it ended up being about 5 1/2 hours. Addison did great - she just sat in the back seat and watched Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse the whole way. When we got to Carmax, they did not offer us at all what the car was worth according to Kelly Blue Book. So we said thank you very much and decided to not sell them the car. It was very disapointing because we have always had such good luck with them. Anyway, not all hope is lost. We are going to try and sell it on our own. It will be a lot more work, but we will - hopefully - be able to get a lot more for it. So if anyone needs a Honda CRV, I have one I will sell to you.

After we went to Carmax, we drove over to the hotel and met up with The Shaver's. Chad was the best man in our wedding and Chuck's best friend from the Academy. We have not seen them since the Christmas before Addie was born so they not only got to meet our little one, but we got to meet Little Emma who was born in July. What a cutie! I forget how small they are... Anyway, we went to dinner with them and had a great time just visiting with them. That alone made the whole trip worth it.

The original plan also included a trip to the zoo, but after a very LOOOOONG night with Addie, we decided to do it another time. She was up almost every half hour to hour all night that night. We were all exhausted and decided we didn't have the energy or desire to hit the zoo. I am sure she would have loved it but we will go try it again in the future.

That was really the highlight of last week. Addison and I had our usual playdate with Kelly and Emily, but that was really it. I was able to get a lot done around the house last week, but the social calendar was a little less full than normal.

This week, we have a midly busy week. It is a Mops week so we will do that on Thursday. Kelly and Emily are out of town so we won't be doing that this week, but Addie's Grammy is coming on Friday. We have a base kids' Halloween party we are taking her to on Friday afternoon so we will be busy getting her costume ready for that - and it is a GOOOOOD one. Chuck and I are also going to have a date night on Saturday night - you know, you have to take advantage of that free babysitter when you have it. But other than that, we will just be around cleaning the house, getting it ready for Addison's company.

The weather has cooled off, and it is hopefully going to stay that way. (In fact, right now I am sitting out on our screened in patio typing this update while Addie plays in the back yard.) We had a great week two weeks ago, than it got miserable again. It was so cool in fact over the weekend, we were in jeans and sweatshirts - HEAVEN! Keep your fingers crossed for us that the end of the hot weather has blessed us...

Streakin!

My child has discovered how to take off her diaper. She loves to take it off and streak around the living room and laugh hysterically! She is a pretty fast little bugger too because she is really hard to track down to get a diaper on her. Luckily, we have had no "accidents." I am wondering if this is my clue to start playing with the whole potty training thing. Any ideas?

Week of October 5th

Well since I have all ready written about Monday, I will start with Tuesday...

Chuck and I did a little expirement this week. We are thinking about becoming a one car family for a while. We thought it might be nice to not only be green, but save some green too! But before we just go out and trade my car in, we thought we would give it try. We are in a unique situation living on base and could very easily be a one car family for a while, so why not CASH in on that? It went really well - at least for me because the only day I didn't have the car this week was Tuesday. So, it is looking like we will be going down to one car. I know that it won't be easy - especially when Chuck has to be at work really early in the morning. And I know that there will be times when we will have wished we didn't do it. But I also know that it will be temporary and our bank account will certainly thank us.

Addison and I had a very busy week - as per usual.

On Tuesday, we met our friends Chris and Cally at the play ground across from our house. It was fun, but it was also extremly HOT, so we didn't stay out long. But we were out long enough that Addie came home and slept for four hours. It was marvelous as I got to nap for a little while too!

Wednesday was our usual play date with Emily and Kelly. This week we went up to their house. Addison and Emily are only four months apart, so they have a lot of fun together and Kelly and I get some time for some grown up talk - which is always nice. After our play date, we met up with Lisa Richter for lunch. Her husband was the D.O. - second in command - in the 95th FS when we were here the first time. We loved Ammo and Lisa - they have always been two of our most favorite people that we have met during our Air Force career. We have been trying to meet up with her since we have been back but between her schedule and mine, we hadn't been able to do that. It was great to see her, share some laughs, and she got to meet Ms. Addie. Of course, Addison performed well for her. Ms. Lisa even taught Addison the "Pretty Face." The two of them seemed to hit it off great! And yes, Lisa. She has been doing the "pretty face" since we left you on Wednesday...

Thursday was a MOPS day this week, so we were off doing that. Addison again did great being left in child care while I was our talking "mom" things with other mommies. Sometimes I am pretty sure she doesn't even know that I am gone. In some ways, I think it is nice that she is so independent - but in other ways, I would like to feel like she misses me, even just a little, while I am gone.

Chuck left for an air show in South Carolina on Friday morning. Originally, Addison and I were thinking about driving up and meeting him, but it was a really long trip for me to make alone with her. And it would have really only been for a day, so we decided it wasn't worth it. Chuck was able to meet up with the Shaver's and got to see their newest family member, Emma. I am pretty jealous I wasn't there for that, but it is sounding like we are going to meet them in Jacksonville next weekend, so I guess I can't be too upset. So anyway, Addison and I have been hanging around the house all weekend, working on getting it clean, getting the laundry done, putting up the Halloween decorations, grocery shopping, etc. etc. etc. He is home tonight and luckily, Chuck is off tomorrow for Columbus day so we will get at least one day with him before he goes back to work for the week.

At this point, this week is looking much slower than the last few. Presently, Addison only has one social engagement on her calendar - her weekly playdate with Emily. I am hoping that the weather will cool off and we can hit the beach one day this week, but it has been miserably hot here again and I can't/won't take her when it is this hot - for both of our sakes.

It is hard to believe that we have almost reached the mid-way point of October all ready. This year is certainly flying by. It is even harder to believe that the holidays are RAPIDLY approaching. I know many of you don't want to go there yet, but it is true. They will be here before we know it. Be here and than gone. Presently, we have no plans to go anywhere for the Holidays. We will be here, in hopefully great weather. Our door is open to anyone who is looking for a nice, warm spot to get away to. (And I am not just talking for the holidays either. Our door is always open.)

I am currently sitting out on our screened in back porch with the screen door popped open watching Addison play in her big sand box - aka - our back yard. It is really pretty hot again today, so I am pretty sure as I finish up this post, so will her time outside. We are both flushed and sweating - story of our lives anymore. (Whoever thinks that is really October, raise your hand? It certainly isn't here.) I think all of the Schuck's are really looking forward to the weather cooling off and us being able to spend some serious time outside - our little one loves it and I have felt guilty most of the summer keeping her in. Just a hunch, but I think I am really going to miss the seasons while we live here. I all ready miss fall...

DUH!

Also, it just occured to me that today marks two years. Two years ago today, we found out we were going to be parents! It was a great day! Happy birthday, Granny.

Vet

The dogs had to go to the vet today and I couldn't find anyone to sit for me so I wouldn't have to take Addison. It was a nightmare. Lily was pulling and yanking on the leash, barking at anyone and anything in the vet's office, pacing, panting - all in all, acting like an ass. Addison on the other hand, decided that she was not interested in sitting in her stroller and was trying to get out. When she couldn't because she was strapped in, she screamed, and screamed and carried on and on. When they finally called us back to the exam room, the tech didn't even help me manuever back, didn't even offer! To make matters worse, I had to hold Lily down when they were clipping her nails. FYI!!! Not my JOB! I take them to the vet so I don't have to hold them down to do it. I take them to the vet so I don't have to be involved in that process at all. Thank GOD that Luci acted like a mature, well behaved dog because if she hadn't - the Schuck family might have become dog-free today.

I didn't realize what a great vet we had in VA until today. Salty Paws was awesome! They would help me with Addison - even let me leave her with them while I manuvered dogs. I could just hand over the leash to them and they would take the dogs back to the back and clip thier nails and never had to be involved. (And we won't even talk about how wonderful they were with us and Coco when we were dealing with that nightmare.) I really missed those ladies at Salty Paws today and needless to say, we will be looking for a new vet here in Florida. So any of my Panama City peeps - we are up for suggestions!!!

Much Needed ME Time

For the first month or so we were here, on Saturdays Charlie would take Addison so I could escape for some alone time. With so many things going on, that kind of fell by the way side. But I am getting out this morning for some very much needed me time.

I am going shopping! I figure it is a great time of year to get some clothes for next summer for our little munchkin since all the summer clothes are on clearance right now. I know for sure I am going to head out to Pier Park - which is great shopping that wasn't here when we lived here five years ago. And thank heavens for Pier Park - with out it, the shopping here would be almost non-existant. The have an Old Navy so I will most definitely be going there, but other than that, I will just have to play it by ear. Regardless, I am very excitted to have some time to just be with me, myself and I.

However, both our schools are on tv today, so I have to be back to the house at 2:30 or so. Air Force plays Navy and the kick off is at 2:30. Followed by Oregon State at ASU. (Addie is all set - she has her new Beaver shirt on that Grammy and Papa bought her last week while they were down in Corvallis at the OSU-UA game.) Hopefully both teams play great to make this a HAPPY day at the Schuck house!

We were supposed to be heading to a squadron murder-mystery party tonight, but were unable to find a sitter. Sad! But on the other hand, if we were going to the party, we wouldn't be able to watch the Beavs - and since they are very seldomly on here, I feel like i HAVE to take advantage of that. In any case, I hope the American Hornet crowd has a great time.

Caught up

Well, I think I officially have this blog of ours caught up with all of our summer fun activities. From here on out the things that will be posted will be "current events" that are happening with the Schuck's. Sorry for so many posts over the past few days... I swear I am going to be better about this whole blogging thing!

Random Pics from TX Relative's Visit #3

Alex, Melissa, and Derrick playing shuffle board in Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood.

Melissa flexing her muscles.

Amazing PNW sunset - in honor of our TX relatives.

Loving on Cousin Brianna

Super fast!