Throwback Thursday: James is OUT OF THE NAVY!

Six years have come and passed. From Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC to Norfolk, VA. 2 deployments on the Big E. My big brother is {unofficially} out of the Navy.   Graduating from Boot Camp in 2007 - Chicago, IL

James went to boot camp in 2007. He spent his 21st birthday in boot camp - parrrrrty! - and we drove up to Chicago for his graduation. This seems like soooo long ago! He has such a baby face.
Graduating from "Nuke School" in 2008 - Charleston, SC

James went to school in Charleston, SC, somewhere we had nooo problem visiting! I absolutely love the architecture, food and environment that Charleston has to offer!
First deployment in January 2011 - Norfolk, VA

Coming Home in July 2011 - Norfolk, VA

Coming home from second deployment in November 2012 - Norfolk, VA  Came home on his birthday!

Leaving Ghent in 2013 - Norfolk, Va...Austin bound!

 
We were so lucky to have James in Norfolk for the past couple of years. He could have been anywhere from Georgia to Hawaii. We were able to see him quite often and were able to make it to each deployment send off & return. These six years have seriously flown by!
He is currently on the road, probably somewhere in Tennessee, moving to Austin! So excited to visit in December!!

So thankful for my brother's service to our country and God Bless those who continue to serve!

5 December Favorites

I've been trying to catch up on reading blogs -- it's almost impossible! I've missed a lot. I've been doing lots of reading, not a lot of commenting. Once I'm caught up, that will be easier :)   I wanted to fill y'all in on 5 fun things I've done so far in December!   But first, I hope you had a very Merry Christmas!   1. 22nd Birthday For my 22nd birthday, I had...lots of studying to do. BOO! But, I did get to start my day in kindergarten! My sweet teacher and students had a card, balloons and gift waiting for me! They are seriously too good to me.  I am so lucky to be with the best kindergarteners in the world :)

After class it was time for our family dinner! Here's what I wore:

 Lilly Joycee tunic, giant teardrop necklace from Groopdealz!

We went to dinner at a local restaurant, 622 North. Yum, yum, yum.

  2. Army v Navy Football Game Steven's family invited me to tag along for football game between Army and Navy.  One of Steven's brothers is at the Naval Academy and we went to last year's game, too.

 GO NAVY!

3. Hokie Basketball

I'm somewhat embarrassed to say it, but I hardly ever go to basketball games.  Of all the sports to watch, basketball probably isn't in my top 8.  However, once finals were said and done with, we headed to one of the weekend games vs Georgia Southern! Although the Hokies lost, I still had fun and I have high hopes for the team this season!   4. Picking out our Christmas tree

 We went to a family farm down in McCoy

 James starts the cut

 And, I had to help ;)

Taking our tree home!
5. Playing with my crazy, and most of the time sleeping, pets

 Belle peeking outside

 sink cat.

 Best friends and pet sisters

Snoozing, waiting for Santa

 Belle's 1st Christmas!

 Worn out from opening presents.

Seriously - they have slept all day! Oh, the life of a dog...

My December has been full of many blessings! Not to mention Christmas day, which was simply wonderful. Another post on that tomorrow, maybe!
Today is my Mom's birthday! We're going to see Silver Linings Playbook and then having dinner in Roanoke. I'm excited! Anyone seen that movie? Steven and his family are also heading home today. We still have to finish our gift exchange! Lots of fun :)
Have a wonderful day!

Catching up -- James is HOME! Go Vote!

I am BACK! Last week was whirlwind of fun and craziness.

We left on Saturday for Norfolk and James came home on Sunday!

I had a perfect weekend and am super sad to be back to the real world!

Let's play catch up!

Steven's classes were cancelled for the whole week as a result of Hurricane Sandy, so he came back home!

We went out as a nerd & prep on Tuesday:

On Halloween night, it was Ballerina night with our homemade tutus!

Steven went with cowboy again since he didn't have another costume:

At Hokie House, our usual hangout!

On Thursday night we were back at Hokie House to catch the Hokie game!

The game was quite depressing, although I had so much fun with all of my friends AND my boyfriend!

I felt so lucky!

Teacher-y girls :)

*Now, we're in Norfolk! James' Welcome Home crew, minus 3!

The most precious sailor baby, with the band & Sesame Street characters:

The Enterprise is HOME!

Happy Birthday and Welcome Home!!!!

My family! Back together again!

  

James & his girlfriend - they started dating while he was out at sea:

HAPPY!

We went up on the flight deck:

Whew! I am so exhausted but so happy and blessed to have my brother home, safe and sound. Today I am thankful for all of the men and women in our military! God Bless them!
I hope everyone goes out to VOTE today! Please exercise your right to vote, no matter who you vote for, just go vote!!
I promise to be back to regular-ish blogging soon. My incentive is going to be blogging about things I'm thankful for as we prepare for Thanksgiving!
Happy Tuesday/Election Day!