Deployment Part 2

Daddy is working hard in Afghanistan and the kids are playing hard back in El Paso.

The twins grow and learn more every day!! They like to color and do a great job holding crayons and markers.

Playing at the YMCA jungle gym.  We visit the YMCA often as part of our routine.

Sometimes the kids take classes too.  

Sylvia and Andrew have done gymnastics a couple of times.  Andrew's goal is to learn how to do a cartwheel.  He isn't quite there yet but they have improved.

The twins like to play at child watch most of the time and mostly love the jungle gym.  Melody is loving the swing set.

Aunt Cami and Uncle Hunter welcomed their baby Evelyn into the world!  We are really excited to meet her so the twins wore their onesies they gave them to announce their pregnancy.  "Cousins make the best friends".

Andrew does well with school.  He doesn't always want to go because he would prefer to stay home and play.... but he is learning a ton!  We get to have lunch with Andrew on Fridays.

A Christian spotting

Melody thinks she fits inside Sister's umbrella.

Always cool things to look at when shopping at Sam's Club.  Why can't all stores have two seats in their carts?

Going for a ride.

We've been having friends over to play.  Once you have four crazy kids whats a few more?

At least everyone likes playing together!

Checking out the library close by us- finally open after renovations.

Walking to church and playing together after church.  Our kids just love playing in boxes.

Playing in the box again.

Mommy and twins.

Mommy stepped outside of the twins' room and came back to them on top of the dresser!! They are just too good at climbing and fearless when they are together.

Love these cuties so much!!!

Going for a walk in the wagon.

Sliding and jumping in the backyard.

More backyard fun.  Climbing trees and riding cars!

We got Wendy's frostys and Melody really enjoyed hers!

Sylvia's love of black olives come from Mommy's side of the family.

Good morning nightie girl.

Andrew had a fundraiser fun run at school and was hyped!  First picture is Andrew doing quick feet, then at school where families could come to cheer the kids on!

Andrew ran the maximum amount of laps! He didn't even take any breaks.

Andrew's cheer section.

Andrew is a fast runner!  And here is for a yummy after school snack.  He got the sweatband for doing well in the fundraiser and wore it for the next week.

Tired out twins.  Seems like they could have found a more comfortable place to lay down.  We did nap time right after this picture was taken.

Sylvia posed herself like this while they were playing.  Reminiscent of Renaissance Art of Mary.

Drawing on the what board wall at the Pediatric clinic while there for a check up.

Melody loves wearing pretty things like necklaces, crowns, and hats.

Piano time.  Mommy actually doesn't play the piano that often because she gets helpers running any time she sits down to play.

Our sweet friends sent us a care package with thoughtful gifts for Mommy and painting kits for the big kids....

And fun figurines for the twins!

They were fun to play with at bath time.

One night there was an art show at the school.  It ended up storming horribly with sideways rain because of the wind but we went anyway!  The kids got to see Andrew's art and make art of their own and get cookies!

Showing off their art!  We had a good time and were glad we went despite the storm even though Melody lost one of her sandals never to be seen again while we were running into the school.

Arts and crafts are so fun to do.

For St. Patrick's Day we made some fun sugar cookies by rolling two colors together and then slicing them after we rolled it in green sprinkles.  The kids saw it on a "cooking show" and it's always fun to try some of the baking ideas they see.  

While Daddy is gone I try to make or buy special treats or toys periodically throughout because we want to create moments of happiness even when we are missing Daddy.  And it gives us all things to look forward to each month.  Pictured below is a strawberry and blueberry bowl with Reddiwhip and sprinkles... simple but a big hit.

Life is always busy but life is so, so wonderful.