Trip back home to Tx

Well it was a really long and hot trip which took around 35hrs to drive. I had never drove more than 4 hrs in my life. So this trip all by myself with the kids and dogs was a HUGE thing for me to do. I feel proud that I pulled it off but will never drive that far again by myself unless I truly have to. We stayed first with my sister in Austin. With a house full of kids and dogs it was quite the adventure. The kids loved spending time with each other. The weather was very hot so we mostly stuck with indoor activities. The book store was one fun trip we took...the kids love books. Ice cream at Basket Robins was a nice cool treat. I also drove another 3 hrs from Austin to Houston with all the kids minus my little nephew. There we sent time with my aunt and uncle. The kids got to go to the zoo and play barbies with my aunt. We were also treated to yummy brisket...which was worth the 4hr drive. I took Eliana and her best friend from back home to this huge pizza place. It was so cute to see them together again it was like they started off right where they left off over a year ago. Let's see we also did some rescue work and helped 2 little doggies find their home after they were wandering the streets. My cousin had us over to her house to stay for a few days and we had fun swimming over at her pool. Then we headed back to Austin stayed a few more days.Had a mini-birthday party for the kids because they will miss each others birthdays for quite some time. We feel blessed to have been able to see our friends and family. It was hard to depart as this may be the last time we see them for around 3 years. Thanks to all of my family for opening up your homes to us.

Congrats Gunnery Sergeant

I just wanted to blog about how proud we are that Philip picked up GySgt and was promoted today in Quantico,VA. We wish so badly we could have been able to see him get promoted. I know he is so proud to be a part of the Marines and is especially thrilled to have the honor of Gunny. I will post pictures from the ceremony once Philip e-mails me them. Congrats babe we are so proud of all you do!!!


Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) is the seventh enlisted rank in the United States Marine Corps, just above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant and First Sergeant, and is a staff non-commissioned officer (SNCO). It has a pay grade of E-7.

My Sisters Beautiful House

I have been telling friends for years how beautiful my sister has her house decorated and organized. Every time we get to go visit she has made even more lovely improvements to the house. I didn't get a picture of the nursery or my nephews room due to them being re-decorated. I sometimes think about moving back to TX and me going into business doing home decor with my sister. Well time will only tell but here are some pictures of my sister's really well decorated house.Celeste thanks for letting take pictures of the house!

Last trip to San Diego

I had planned on posting my pictures of our last San Diego trip sooner...however Andy bought me a new laptop the day before he headed off to Embassy school and I was at a lost on uploading my photos with the new laptop. Finally my good friend walked me through it over the phone...so thanks Tiff. We had a great time in San Diego despite the fact it was way to cold to go to the beach and swim. It was funny because as we left Yuma and the weather was like 98 and then we drive less than 3 hrs to arrive in 65 degree weather. It is so very refreshing....I love the feeling of being chilled just a little!! We meet up with my cousin Jenni who flew in from TX. It was her very first time to visit California. I know she thought it was beautiful but I know she was bummed about the lack of sun in sunny California. The 2 resorts we stayed in were very nice. The one we stayed in in the Gas Lamp district was so nice and had the coolest modern furniture. I loved the warm rich colors they used to do the room. We did a variety of things to keep busy...but I know that we all really enjoyed going to Knotts Berry Farm. Eliana was so brave and rode every thrill ride in the park minus one I rode first and then deemed way to intense for her. We are going to miss taking off and going to beautiful San Diego but who knows maybe we will get a country where we can do some great traveling.