free.

Tonight Catrina, Reegan, and I got to have one of the neatest experiences ever. A group of WW2 veterans had traveled to DC to see the memorials and I, along with many others, went to the airport to greet them as they came home. They had no idea what was waiting for them as the walked/strolled in wheelchairs through the door! Their looks ranged from serious, surprise, smiles, tears, and even a few who danced to the highschool marching band as they walked through the mob of people reaching out to shake their hands, give hugs, hand out balloons with thank you notes attached, and say thank you. One gentleman said as he shook hands with each person, "This was the best part of the whole trip!!"  :)

This was special enough. However, it just so happened that my little superman's great grandfather was one of the veterans! It was so special to personally know one of the men coming through. 

                                         

Waiting for the plane to land...

                                         

                                         

Even my doctor came just to show his support! (the guy in the black shirt on the left)

                   

How sweet is this?!  Just wait...

                            

I didn't plan to be there with Superman and his family but it worked out that we hung out together! 

                                  

Finally they were here!

     Catrina shook lots of hands and talked to many of the men.                             

                                 

Still waiting for a familiar face...

                  

This is Superman's great grandmother...and she sees her man!  :}

                                

It's him!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                

                                 

                                 

                                 

                            

These were the only two women on the plane.  I'm not sure what their jobs were in the war, but I am thankful for them too!

                            

Lauren's boss hung out with us too and made sure to get her picture taken with a veteran.

ok, ready?

                            

Awww!!

                           

Reegan handing a balloon and thank you note to one gentleman.

                            

                           

                           

This man shook Catrina's hand and wouldn't let go.  Then he asked if Reegan was her daughter and told her she was beautiful (which she is!).  

                            

"Can I get a hug???"

                           

I think he enjoyed that hug... lol!

                           

                           

It's moments like this that make you remember that no matter what political side you're on, no matter what you think of the government shutdown, no matter the things going on in our country that you may disagree with...when you're standing in a line like this, you remember that really, at the heart of our country are the men who loved it enough to protect it and us and our freedoms. They are who I want to think of when I hear the name America.

Thank you to those of you who have served of are serving. And to those who I know of who are currently stationed overseas, I am praying God will bring you safely home to your families...you also deserve a welcome home like this!  :)

catching up - my life outside being a nanny

Some of what else I have been up to...

Picnic lunch with friends after church. 

 Went to see the play 12 Angry Jurors directed by the best friend...then went to a restaurant to chill and let him unwind a bit...play week is super stressful.  But he and his students always do an awesome job!

{shameless plug: if you like plays. and music. and charlie brown...come see the Word Players production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown coming in June! And also see Michael as Schroeder...blond hair and all! lol } 

 My other best friend's little sister asked me to photograph her wedding.  I told her she was crazy. lol I have never done a wedding before and most definitely did NOT feel qualified.  But I agreed anyways.

The sign her nephew carried. I know it's sideways. I don't care. I don't want to go fix it. lol 

Even the photographer needs pretty feet for a wedding.  :) 

Somebody's daddy just left Miss Madison hanging out in the sanctuary while he and her brother went to get dressed! lol It was ok...Kiki found her and hung out with her.  She just climbed those stairs over and over and over. Thankfully there were only two! ha. 

Just a cell phone picture glimpse of the wedding. 

I attempted to make a bowtie.  Stupid bowtie. Don't make them. Just go buy them. Argh.  The second attempt was better though. 

This is how one sends a hug to a friend having a bad day.  :) 

Went to my baby cousin's college graduation.  So good to see him! 

Ok, so I don't often post food pictures but I made toast for the boys just like my mom used to make it once in a while.  Tasted like childhood.  :} 

 Mom and her sisters were going through some more of my grandmother's things and ran across this cute little shoe.  :)  Too bad we don't know where the other one is! It would be fun to let my own little girl wear them someday...if I ever have my own little girl.  :}

Ok, house update coming next!  But for now I have GOT to go to bed!!

Insta-catchup

The last week was super busy with Valentine's day fun with the boys I take care of, plus staying at Lauren's house for a few days while her mom was out of town.  Not that I ever have to do much when Lauren is there because she won't let me! lol  But I am there just in case something happens and someone needs me.  Plus I get to play with two more cute boys...  :}

"kiki, i want you to sit right here next to my bottom and play trains with me!"

Hello. This is my belly.  That is all.

Chocolate oatmeal for a pre-Valentine's Day breakfast! 

Little Man thought this was most fabulous! :)

Helping make a treat for mommy and daddy.

Mmm... and yes, of course there was a taste test.  But just a small one, I promise.  :}

Superman LOVED broccoli!!

Couldn't decide which toy to let him play with....

I know this one is fuzzy but oh well.  My littlest Valentine gave me a box of chocolates. :)

Valentine's evening I met Michael and my friend Natalie for dinner at Market Square followed by watching The Princess Bride at the TN Theater.  It was so fun to have something to do that night!  And you could hear people all through the theater quoting the best lines from the movie. Ha! 

I think the cat got annoyed that I had been gone all week....

On Friday I got to meet an old friend for lunch with her super sweet little 3 month old - who just got her  first tooth!!  (Don't you just LOVE her chubby little cheeks and lips?!?!)

After lunch I visited my little bro at his new job at one of my favorite spots! 

Mmmm.....

Aaand that brings me to today...shopping with Leah for some dress clothes for when she starts teaching!  Crazy that the consignment stores are about as expensive as the mall!!  What's up with that?! 

Laura and I are always attempting to keep Leah well fed...Laura text us and told us we should get some ice cream...so I made sure to get Leah a SUPER LARGE frozen yogurt!  haha! :}