The M&M Gang

It so neat to see how God orchestrates things. Some of our dearest and closest friends are Mike and Kim and their four kids Michael, Meghan, Matt, and Madison. We have known each other for over 25 years and have been stationed together at different bases around the world. They are such a great family- full of life, love, and a true appreciation for their family and friends. We planned our vacation last year, taking whatever was available after we had to change plans because of a family wedding. They decided at the last minute in July to take a vacation in August. We found out we were coming down the same week and even cooler....... their house was right across the street!! We couldn't have planned it this well. We had a great time together (always do!) Their house was always the place we wanted to be. There was always something fun and unpredictable going on and you never knew what fun game or activity Mike would come up with next. We have some great memories, and we're still adding more :)

We got the chance to celebrate Kim's birthday on Wednesday with a yummy dessert night.
My kids had a blast with them playing everything they could think of....
It's so hard to believe how much they've grown up. I used to babysit these kids when they were 1, 2, 6, & 8. I'm really feeling old. Two have graduated college and the other two are in college.

Madison and Anderson.....
Meghan and Carter having a ball in the pool.......

Matt and Carter after a game of football. Matt was just like Carter as a kid- all sports, all the time.......
And wherever Big Mike goes, there you'll find Carter, too......Thank you guys for all your playing digging, wrestling, swimming, building, pretending, running, and games- the kids are still talking about it!

(We missed you Michael! Congrats on the new job, sounds exciting.)

Emerald Isle 2008- A little piece of beach heaven!

I know you've all been eagerly waiting for pictures from our vacation. I had bold plans to post while we were away- sorry- didn't happen. We had an amazing week and feel so blessed for the time away. It's been a sad adjustment back to real life. I took almost 500 pictures and have been overwhelmed by choosing just a few, so here's the first set.....

We stay in amazing oceanfront house just steps from the beach with it's own pool. We are so thrilled to be back in this house for the second time....

Mimi and Grandpa had a surprise for Carter- his first set of utilities! He was beyond excited and assumed the role of "little Marine" immediately. I finally fought it away from him to wash after 3 days!
Here he is patrolling the pool on the deck...And he found it quite impressive that the Marines flew over twice a day as he played on the beach.....just checkin' in........
Julia didn't waste anytime getting into full vacation mode.....let the fun begin!We are definitely "water fans" , all of us. We get so spoiled having our own pool on the deck.....And Anderson fits right in. His happiest moments were spent splashing around in the pool....
Time for our first trip down to the water. Julia is in her element with Grandpa and Daddy, soaking up the love from her two favorite guys........Sand between my toes, it doesn't get any better than this :)We are all so happy to be here. We long for the ocean all year and look forward to the family time we get to spend here. I pray we all leave refreshed, renewed, and reconnected to each other and God who created this masterpiece we get to enjoy. It's true what they say, heaven's a little closer in a house by the sea :)

.........more to come...........

Vacation Time!

It was a weekend to remember......

Evening Parade

It was a very special night for a very important cause. We've all been anticipating this event and the chance to meet the wonderful family behind the cause.

The guest of honor, this evening, was Bob Woodruff, the ABC Nightly news anchor who was tragically injured by an IED blast in Iraq in 2006. In an instant, his life, as well as that of his wife and 4 young children was blown apart. They began to live moment by moment without any promises of what the future may hold. Bob's life was saved by military doctors in the field, in Balad, in Landstuhl, Germany and at Bethesda Naval Hospital. he and his wife were immediately taken into the fold of the close-knit military community. Little did they know at the time the amazing resources they would have access too, some of the best in the world. These committed doctors, nurses, and therapists are on the front lines trying to put the pieces of these shattered lives back together. Bob Woodruff was an exception to the normal and, by the grace of God, has made an amazing recovery. He and his wife tell their story in a must read..........
From the pain and trials of their experience they felt compelled to give back. They formed the Woodruff Foundation for TBI & Wounded Veterans. Their efforts help care for the wounded, and their families, by bringing together military, civilians, professionals, and corporations to provide the best care and reintegration therapy possible. They have created a network for providing care, sharing information and resources, supporting families, and fundraising. Their new initiative was kicked off at the parade...... www.remind.org........."helping our injured reintegrate into a society that recognizes all they have done-and all they still can do."
It's so inspiring to see a family using tragedy, healing, and job connections to make a difference in the lives of so many. The military is a very special family and the Woodruff's had the opportunity to experience that truth first hand. And now they are working hard to form that connection with the civilian and medical community to help serve those who have so selflessly served all of us. It was an honor to be able to thank them in person. They are such gracious and genuine people.
Tonight just happened to be the retirement of ChestyXII and on the left is his successor ChestyXIII.......

Preparation

Carter was giving Grandpa some last minute marching pointers. Ever since this morning he's been "in formation with his rifle".......
When he looked out the windows, he said, "There's Marines everywhere!" They had started setting up and were manning all the security entrances. His eyes were like saucers. Then he said, "Did you know Mimi has her own x-ray machine, just like the airport?" Okay, so it's not hers, but it's in her yard. the Marines humored him and let him go thru a few times in his pjs :)
Then he said hi to all of "Grandpa's friends" and was off to bed. Fortunately for us, he didn't know what he was about to miss out on.

Fun with the Fam

Aunt Beth and JuJu....
Mimi and the kids on the sun porch......

Nicole and Amber- getting our faces ready :)
Out in the garden, soaking up some rays.......
Aunt Renae and Carter singing silly songs.........
Whenever Uncle Jeff's around, there is always fun to be had and the kids can't get enough of him!

Mammy and Carter practicing their putting. (Lookout putt-putt at the beach- here we come! carter has plans to try all 5 courses on the island!)

Julia always has cuddles for her Pappy........Time to chill......