My Boys...

Silly Sambo....

Meathead Micah....

and their hero, Daddy...

Cory left this morning on yet another long deployment (our 3rd in the short 2 1/2 years stationed here in CA; 4th in the last 8 years). With each one we learn how to be better prepared to deal with the separation, with emergencies that may arise, and with the adjustments of both leaving and coming home. However, even with all the "preparations" it never gets any easier to say goodbye. Please pray for Cory and those serving with him. Please also pray for their families left here supporting them, loving them and waiting for their safe return home.

Just like daddy...

Sam has been dressing up like daddy quite a bit lately. He wants to be a pilot just like him...

Family Time

This weekend we headed up to Santa Ynez, CA to one of our favorite places...the Bridlewood Winery. In addition to wonderful wine, it is such a BEAUTIFUL place to visit. They keep horses there and a have a lake in the back of it which is surrounded by their vineyard. We had a picnic down by the lake and the boys got to run around and get lots of energy out...it was a perfect day.

Pool Time Fun

Micah's big birthday present was a pool for our backyard. It's still not really warm enough here for it, but the boys just couldn't wait...

Sam jumped right in, but Micah is still not sure about it...

The little man turns 2...

It is hard to believe that Micah is already two. His favorite things are painting and just generally making a mess....so we decided to have a painting party! We had a few friends over and just let the kids paint and make as big of a mess as they wanted to. I think they enjoyed themselves!

Murphy

Those of you who know me and Cory are going to be shocked by this...WE BECAME DOG OWNERS TODAY... I know, I cannot believe it either. Ten days ago I would have told you there was no way in the world that Cory would ever allow a dog in the house, never mind actually own one. That was before a stray dog wondered into our backyard and the kids fell in love. That puppy stayed with us a few days until we found it's owner but by that time it was too late...we needed a dog. You never know what you are missing until you have it for a few days and have to give it back.
SO... This is Murphy...our 4 year old little boy. We found him at the animal shelter in Camarillo. We brought him home today and we are enjoying introducing him to our home and our family...