Great Wolf Lodge

Since Kris missed out on all of the summer months, I figured an indoor water park would be a lot of fun for everyone. Him to experience clara in the water and us all to have a fun time. Overall, I'd like to say that it was fun. But, I feel like we could have had a lot more fun elsewhere. Kris and I are unlike a lot of people. We don't need amusement parks to make us laugh or to overpay for someone else to entertain us.. So, going to something like this wasn't exactly our cup of tea. But, all in all we had fun, Clara cracked us up the entire time, hugging on the animals and loving on everything. She's such a sweet baby. Poor thing has been teething for what seems like years, I just don't know what to do to help her sometimes. Her canines are the ones bothering her this time... hopefully they come in soon...

Sometimes bribery works.

Well, I told Clara I'd get her something nice if she worked with me for this photo shoot... and it worked, kinda... pretty much just spent the day chasing her around and Daddy getting in all my shots hahaha But, they're smitten with each other, so I really can't complain. This was one of the first times Kris got to experience toddler-dum... Oh, fun times... screaming kicking fits for no reason... yay. Trust me, your kids are NOT the only ones who do it. Now, mine has started screaming OW!! when I photograph her... yep, I'm stealing your soul, little one, you'd better run! :) I must say, my husband is one of the most patient people I have ever met. I really don't know what I'd do without him at times.

Peace Love Swap

If you don't know about Peace Love Swap, well, you should. Because it's an awesome way to get a bunch of clothes toys and other random baby things, PLUS they have lots of vendors. And the proceeds go to charity. It's quite awesome, really. So, I set up a vendor table and did some photo booth photos of some people... here's a funny one of my personal assistant (ack-hem, the best ever)... I'll admit it, I did next to no photos for homecoming. I feel terrible about it, but I just can hardly get Clara dressed, much less get her out the door without drool, food or some unidentified spot on her... and then, Kris and I just spent the whole leave period at home, so we didn't really have a lot going on to photograph. Lots of cell phone footage, literally no camera photos on my professional equipment... wow... i'm such a slacker. So, I'll get back on it, I always do. :)

Trip to the mall

If you've ever taken an alien to a shopping mall, that's pretty much on point with what it feels like to walk around the mall with Kris after a deployment... He will look at anything, just because he can. I used to seriously complain the entire time, but now, I really look forward to these times. i pick malls where I know he will want to look around and see things and also moments when I know Clara will be able to play. Well, the carousel was a big hit, as usual, I mean, what kid doesn't love the carousel. And Kris's little point and shoot camera (after about 6-7 times of it going aroudn and me trying to figure out the settings) took a couple pretty good shots :) I love our little family outings... Sometimes it isn't the crazy events that make the best memories.

The F family

Here's the first and last photo from our little family session of Krystal and her family. :) Clara's always butting in.... But, she just loves Nicholas, it's cute. I'm really lucky to have met this awesome family. They watch Clara from time to time and they welcome us into their family constantly when we need it. I don't know how I could have possibly made it through the deployment without them. I love them so much.