Update

I haven't blogged in 2 weeks and oh, what can happen in a short amount of time!

It's been quite crazy for us with some planned and unplanned events happening over the last couple of weeks. We've been on the road a lot, we've been doing lots of preparations to close on our new house in a week, we're packing up our apartment, we're getting ready for to leave for the beach on Sat, and we have been mourning the loss of my grandmother who died suddenly last Sunday. Our family is going through a whirlwind of emotions as we also get to celebrate the much anticipated event of Chris' graduation tomorrow!

We have lots to be thankful for over the next few days and weeks, and at the same time are grieving for that very special part of our lives that we lost.

Please think about our entire family as the next couple of months will be a huge adjustment, both good and hard times ahead! We are truly excited about tomorrow and can't wait to be a part of such a special event. We also can't wait to have Chris back home as we start our new adventure in TN.

Stay tuned for lots of picture updates in the next few weeks!

Trying to catch my breath

Well, I have finally updated with pictures from the last week, so I thought I would take time to sit down and blog a bit (I think it's good therapy :)!

First, we are T-14 days to graduation....YEAH!!! I can't believe there is only one class ahead of his that graduates tomorrow and then they are next in line! I was thinking back yesterday and in some ways, I can't believe it's finally here, but then again I'm not sure where the last 5 months have gone. We are really excited about the ceremony and what that important day will mean to our family! Such a huge accomplishment to be proud of and at the same time our family gets to reunite for good after a long 20 weeks apart.

Second, we are happy that our house hunting issues finally got worked out and we have a home to move into the end of this month. After a LONG process of house hunting, contract negotiating and finally making the 4th house work, we have something to look forward to. As of now, everything is set to go, we just have to hurdle the inspection and finalize the closing time and move in times with the seller.

Third, we have a very busy few weeks ahead of us and are praying they go smoothly and we make the best of every minute. Chris and Claire will be spending the weekend in Roanoke while I head to Delaware for Betsy's bachelorette party. Then Claire and I will come back to Charlotte to spend next week (which already seems to have filled up with play dates and goodbyes) packing what we have here in the apartment to move. Then the following week we will be on the go again as we prepare for graduation week and everything that will include; traveling up to Quantico, some celebrating and the big day. After all those festivities we will be coming back home to finish packing up the apartment and then the 3 of us are going to Hilton Head for 5 days to have some down time as a family. Of course, not too much rest because we will come back to Charlotte Wed night, move out of our apartment Thursday morning and off to TN to close late that afternoon.

Whew, what a whirlwind!!

We are looking forward to having that last weekend in August to settle in, enjoy not having to say goodbyes on Sunday and spending the first week of Sept as a family in our new home. Then Chris and I will be back in Charlotte over Labor day weekend to be a part of Betsy's wedding celebration and of course enjoy our first weekend alone in a year!! What an overall fun weekend that will be!

Well, that's a good overview of our life for the next 4 weeks and we'll keep you updated as we navigate through this exciting, happy and crazy time!

A few of the boys in my life

Checking out new baby Elijah (only 24 hours old)
Laughing with Joe at the park

Making music with AJ at his 1st Birthday party

Watch me!

Claire moved up to the level 4 class (16-22 months) at Gymboree last week and she loves her new friends and teacher! Here are shots of her going, going and going the entire 50 mins of class!

Singing Twinkle, Twinkle in the parachute house (she loves Ms Holly)
Going for a parachute ride

Tasting some bubbles

Clapping & singing on the air log

Doing the Hokie Pokie!

Claire goes through the ring

Getting ready to jump

Off to explore

Walking across the wavy slide and through the obstacle

Being silly

Loves the tunnel

On my perch

One of her favorite things, the rocking horse

Very crazy weekend

Not even sure where to start to describe our hectic weekend. Auntie Jess came down to keep Claire both nights. I had Betsy's bridal shower on Friday night and our Sunday School class was throwing us a going away party on Sat night. In the mix of all of that, Chris ran into car trouble coming home Friday and didn't end up here until Sat morning. Just in time for a full day of activities! Morning gymboree class, bunch of errands, AJ's first birthday party, a couple of naps, and mom & dad having a night out! So after being cheated out of time Friday night and him having to leave a little earlier today, it was a very fast, but great weekend. We are seriously on the countdown....only 2 more (but always short) weekends to go!!

Journeys night out

Our Sunday school class planned an adult night out for our going away party and we had a blast! We went uptown and had dinner and then an evening full of bowling! It was a a great time and such a fun chance to say goodbye to an amazing group of friends! Here are a few pics (some people had already left, but there were good times had by all!)