Hello Cali!

Well, it has been a long time since I have posted. We have moved to California where Mike is a Squadron Commander. He is extremely busy, but he loves his job. Ryan stated First Grade. He loves school and he is doing great! Carter is 2, and every bit as terrible as a two year old can be! It is always interesting in our house!

The big news recently is that we are having a new baby next year! We are so excited to add a baby girl to our family!

Here are some recent photos for you to enjoy.

"Last"ing Impression

Well, the time has come. For lasts. Two years in Texas has gone by quickly. I feel like I just got settled, and now it is time to move again. When we moved here, I was pregnant with Carter. Texas is his birth state. I digress.

Here are a list of our lasts...

We had Ryan's last birthday party in Texas at Morgan's Wonderland. It is a great Special Needs park where everyone can have fun. We rode the train and the carosel. We played in water. Ryan drove the truck around. It was so much fun to spend that time with friends.

We had his last soccer game. We lost. Big time. But it was so fun to watch the kids contiue to try their best. That is what we want for our kids when we sign them up for a sport. And they all did just that.

We went to church for the last time at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church (I know we are Catholic...) They had a great Sunday School for Ryan to enjoy and an age appropriate nursery where Carter got to explore. We loved the preacher and we loved the atmosphere. I believe we really grew there in the Lord.

The upcoming lasts-

We will visit with our friends, Nate and Sara, and their two boys, Nathan and Noah today. They have been friends of our since VA, so we know we will see them again in the future.

Ryan will play with his friend, Britt, for the last time tomorrow. Britt has helped bring and keep calmness and sanity to our home. He does Ryan's ABA and we met him at Treehouse when we fist moved here. When Treehouse closed in Dec, Britt started home therapy. We wonder if he and his family can move to California?

Ryan's last day of Kindergarten is Thursday. I will cry. There is no maybe about that. He has loved Stone Oak Elementary school and he really loves his teacher, Miss Boeck. This is another place where Ryan has grown so much. He loves having friends and learning. It is a great school. I am always amazed when you can physically see someone's heart. I feel that way about Miss Boeck.

We drive away on Sunday and again, I am amazed that the time has gone so quickly. I really have enjoyed Texas. Even though Mike was gone for about 1 out of the 2 years, I think he will miss it, too.

I saw a great bumper sticker the other day and it made me smile, "I was not born in Texas, but I got here as quickly as I could." I understand what that means. Maybe we will come back to live here one day.

As we change our chapter to the California Chapter of the Grunwalds, we hope you and your families are well. We hope to see you all soon!

Happiness

Happiness is that first cup of coffee.

Happiness is having a healthy family.

Happiness is chocolate.

Happiness is getting a kite in the air without your child falling down.

Happiness is school days and a baby napping.

HAPPINESS is seeing your husband/daddy get off of his flight from Iraq safe and sound.

HAPPINESS is a family of four back together after almost 7 months.

We are so happy to have Mike home from his long deployment. I was crying before he got off of the plane. There were people waiting for flights crying right along with me! It was really great to see him!

Ryan was so excited to see him. He waved his American flag and Air Force flag for daddy. They have been best buds ever since. Carter kept telling him "bye, bye" for the first day. He is used to him now and also happy to see him.

The airport had volunteers waiting near baggage claim with a sign and flags. They thanked Mike for his service and they welcomed him home. My heart was full.

Happiness is paying off the van on Monday and buying a new car on Tuesday.

Since Mike returned, we are the proud new owners of a 2010 Honda Civic. It is a nice looking car and we are so excited about the gas mileage!

Happiness is losing your first tooth!!

On March 21, 2010, our 5 year old lost his first tooth! He was so proud. We cannot believe this milestone is here. When I first started talking about the tooth fairy, Ryan said he was going to "Put her in jail!" He did not understand why someone would come into his room and take his tooth. By the time she came, he was ok with the whole process. I think the fact that he got $5 helped! That amount will go down once more teeth come along, I am sure!

Enjoy!

Pictures of Mike

Here are updated pictures of Mike from Iraq:

After a 10K. He recently ran a marathon by himself. That takes determination. Great job, Mike!

Mike with the General.

Thankfully, he will be home next month. We cannot wait!

Enjoy!

Where Has the Time Gone?

One of my jobs since Mike has deployed is to update the blog. I have done it well, haven't I? I have done it as well as mow the lawn (I pay the neighbors) and clean the van (my father-in-law is doing that as I type.) So much has happened. In the words of my best friend, Terry, from her blog...crap.

Since I last updated we have had Halloween, Carter's first birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas in Louisiana, my mom's visit, Carter's first steps, Ryan's success in soccer, Ryan's school closing and enrollment in a local elementary school, Mike's completion of a half and full marathon in Iraq, and my father-in-law's visit.

So, I will post some pictures, in no particular order, for you all to enjoy. These are until December. I will add more soon. I hope to do better in the months to come. I have a feeling Mike is passing the blogging torch to me.

Ryan played soccer for the YMCA in the fall. He will start again in the spring.

Ryan was not excited to take this picture with his brother.

Ryan with his teacher, Miss Anna at Treehouse Day School. She is a great teacher and we miss her!

Happy First Birthday, Carter!! We love you!!

The next three are at the Stone Oak Winter Festival.

Ryan with HEB Buddy.

Carter is not amused.Ryan is a pro with Santa. This was Carter's first picture with Santa. Let's just say that they did not get along.

Carter and Aunt Sharon.
A boy and his dog. Carter and Dusty.

Enjoy!