24 hours from deployment time

24 hours from deployment time is very emotional. We are a pretty typical American family who eat dinner together much more often then not, however after dinner Sierra is in her room with homework or her days drama to text about, Parker and Bray are in the playroom calmly debating the "mineness" of various objects.., I might be with Lilly watching TV while Rob is on hid blackberry with work.. that is how it typically is. 24 hours from deployment time is different, we are together. Without discussing it it just happens, I think it is this way for most military families.

Even Heidi looks sad

Rob and I decided distractions for the kids would be helpful, so 6 hours and counting, off to Toys R Us we went. Each of the kids, minus Lilly, picked out new Wii games. It ended up being a great idea. Lilly grabbed an old movie and claimed that as her "new thing".

Lilly provided loads of entertainment, it was good to laugh.

When Rob went to get in uniform the inevitable was in place and the distractions didn't work for Parker, Sierra and myself. I often had to leave the room, Parker just hung on Rob and didn't want to let go, Sierra kept herself very busy trying to keep everyone happy.

We decided we were in need of another distraction. PIZZA. I placed the order to be delivered within the 30 minute window of when we knew he had to leave. It worked out that the pizza guy pulled up, we got the pizza in (kids doing all kids of yea pizza jigs) and Rob's ride pulled up before I had plates on the table. Rob kissed the kids and me and left promptly.

Boone kiddos early October

Sierra 's new purple hair

Lilly dancing

Lil in the back yard

Lilly is all about given some lovin

Soccer studs

The girls birthdays

Sierra turned 15 on September 7th. We were driving home from the cabin on her birthday so she opened some gifts a day early at the cabin but we couldn't resist a second birthday celebration when we got home!! Wow, I still cannot believe she is 15. In the picture is her good friend Sean.

Lilly turned one on September 8th. She has a good birthday. We learned she doesn't care for cake so we had donuts, she didn't care for that either..

Lil weighed in at 20lbs 8 oz
I don't have Sierra or Parker's baby books filled in for 12 months but Brayden was 24 lbs.

Lilly spinning

Here is Lil just on a random afternoon entertaining us as always.

Mountain Vacaction

Our Mountain vacation, well let me start with the view. It was AMAZING! There is a creek that runs behind the cabin that makes the most wonderful sound I have ever heard. Lilly spent every minute she could on the porch looking at the creek. She and I even saw a deer run through it. The boys were impressed with the cabin for all of 10 minutes. We later decided 6 and 3 year old boys who compete over everything does not a relaxing vacation make. Sierra was thrilled to vacation somewhere other than the beach. The mountains were much more her style, plus she found a new love for antique shopping.

The first day we were in Ellijay we decided to find downtown and take a look. There was antique shopping, a wonderful cafe for a coffee stop, old style candy and free fudge samples for the kids, everyone was happy (for a few minutes at each place anyway). Sierra found some antique cameras that we were able to somewhat surprise her with for her birthday. She also found a very cool gift for a friends birthday.

Although we were a week away from apple season the apple orchards were all a buzz. We went to Hillcrest where they have a petting zoo as well as everything apple you could think of. Other than the apple donuts this was not Sierra's favorite day. Brayden was right at home in the petting zoo. He had no hesitation in holding a baby chick or petting goats. Parker and I were much more cautious.

Then day three brought pumpkins, and the largest pumpkins I have ever seen too. The pumpkin farm had some pumpkin bread as well as apple bread that was very yummy. The local farm also had corn on the cob that was perfect. Farm life may not be for me but I did appreciate the food!

All and all it was a great trip and the kids and I are already talking about going back over the holidays.

Tatoos and umm art

Parker wanted to make a silly face so no one thought he was mean :)



This is Lilly when you tell her to be still. Its some kind of forced smile / frozen pose.



I couldn't figure out why Bray didn't want his picture taken, he thinks of himself as a model. Then I found this and realized he had banished himself after creating this masterpiece. It cam off the table and I already have new seat cushions so I was able to keep my cool.