Grandparent's Visit

Since the grandparents were here, we couldn't let them leave South Dakota without seeing Mt. Rushmore.   It was actually a first time visit for everyone in our party so that's always cool.  Something tells me that we will be visiting it with every visitor that comes through, which is fine with us.   It's beautiful to see and the kids enjoyed learning more about it's history.  Especially Gracie because she's obsessed with Presidents and First Ladies. 

Commander Ashe

Four days after arriving at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota,  Eric had his change of command ceremony.  He had a busy two weeks of courses and training before hand, but he was excited to take on this new challenge.  We are both humbled for this opportunity and excited about our time here in South Dakota.  Ellsworth AFB and all of our neighbors have welcomed us with open arms.  The kids have already made so many new friends and have to be dragged in every night for dinner.  There are a few neighbors with dogs, so Lexie is loving that.  All in all, it's been a great beginning. 

My parents drove up for the ceremony and it was wonderful to have them here to support us as we start this new adventure.  Plus the kids and I enjoyed being spoiled for a couple of days after such a long trip north.  

As a welcome gift, I was given beautiful flowers from the squadron. 

ACSC Graduation and Ball

Our time in Alabama flew by and I honestly think it's because we were having so much fun.  Don't get me wrong, Eric was busy the whole year reading books and writing papers, but we were very fortunate that we got to see him for breakfast and dinner every single day and that he had weekends off.   It was a big difference compared to our time in D.C. when we rarely saw him at all.   On top of all the family time, we were blessed to meet so many wonderful military families.

  I'm grateful for the friends that I make at each base.  Whether they are military or not, we're doing the same thing and that is supporting our spouse, loving our children and being there to support each other on this crazy ride.  My personal goal is to always surround myself with positive and uplifting women, who can also be real and these gals were just the right fit.  Military life is truly what you make of it and I like to think that I really make the most of it.  Plus it helps when you have a great group cheering you on! 

After that short but fun year, Eric graduated with his second Master's Degree from Air Command and Staff College!   Eric makes things look easy,  but I know he's a hard worker and it's well deserved!   

One last drink as a class! 

A few of the gals that made my time in Alabama special. 

ACSC Graduation Ball

Like any respectable college, when you graduate, you party hard!  

That's just what we did.  

Brownie 2

Gracie has completed her 1st year as a Brownie! 

She loves being in Girl Scouts and has mentioned that her goal is junior level.  Talk about being spoiled this year because this group was amazing!  Our future troop leaders have a lot to live up to because I've never seen troop leaders so organized and engaged.  I love how much she learns and how much the friendships of her fellow girl scouts mean to her.  When she comes home and tells me about the troops goals and their current progress and what they have done to make the world a better place, my heart feels happy.  

Once again, I'm grateful for the village that comes through in helping me 

shape her into the beautiful and caring young lady that I know she is.  

The Big Easy

We wanted to start our summer off with a bang so with New Orleans being only four hours away, it was the obvious choice.  Our friends, The Rascons, drove in from Houston and we absolutely love them, so we felt kinda spoiled.   We aren't related by blood (hopefully soon by marriage ;), but they feel like family and it's just comfortable.  Hopefully another two years will not go by until we can see each other again. 

We walked all over the French Quarter, rode every.single.ride at the Carousel Gardens Amusement park, swam at the hotel pool, played many Mexican Train Dominoes games, and ate such yummy food.  

So in conclusion we love them and NOLA!

Obligatory-How much have they grown- kid picture. 

Newest addition to the bunch, Rhodie 

Phone Pics