Well, we are finally moved in, have all our stuff under one roof again, and our whole family in the same house! After almost a year of family members and belongs being spread over 3 states, it feels very strange. Thanksgiving night we were driving home from dinner with our friends, it was dark, all three kids were cozy in the backseat and Jason was sitting beside me. We had 3 more days off to look forward to with no separation in the near future. I told Jason I felt like I was in a commercial. :) Like, "you too can be this happy if you drive this car..." Just haven't had that feeling in so long. It hasn't all been rosy though, it has also been an adjustment. I have been very independent for a very long time, going everywhere alone, making all the major decisions, from selling a house, to moving, to buying a house and everything in between. Now that Jason is a more normal part of our lives, I have had to learn to listen to his opinions and re-learn how to be a team. It is an adjustment I am happy to have to make though, and I am glad to have my partner back. It has been a long 4 1/2 years! I know lots more separation is ahead, you can't get away from it in the military, but I think we have a bit of a break ahead and I am looking forward to every minute of it. Adjustment and all!
I know family members are waiting for pictures, but one thing I can not find, and I think I left at my parents, is the camera cord to download pictures. So if you want pictures Mom, send me the cord!! :) The above picture is all I have, from when we were looking at the house and I took this picture to show Jason.
Ryleigh was confined to her stroller. She was not that happy about it, but she was fairly cooperative.
The Graduation. Jason received the Mustang award, I don't remember exactly what it is all about, but he was one of only 9 Marines that received awards, out of 240, so whatever it is, it is impressive. :) The picture is not that great, because I had to take it as the official photographers were taking it and just snap it the best I could, but it is really the only picture I have of the graduation, so it was this or nothing!
The family! This is the one where they were whining, but stopped long enough to give an official smile for the camera. They also were a bit antsy after sitting through a ceremony where they named 240 Marines, plus a speech from someone. The only seats I could find, even arriving 45 minutes early, where all the way in the back and smack in the center. I almost opted for standing the whole time instead of wading through tons of people and risking having to get up during the ceremony. But, I braved it and we all sat down. I prayed the entire time that no one would have to go to the bathroom, or throw up, or make a scene and I have to walk out with every eye on me. My prayers were answered! It got a little hairy towards the end, but we made it.
After being gone 11 months, he promptly assumed duty of all three. :) I haven't done bedtime since! 
Jason and his dad. His mom, sisters, brother-in-law and niece came also, but I didn't get a good picture of everyone.
