Happy Halloween!

I'm a bit behind on blogging, but I'm planning on getting caught up this weekend. I haven't been spending as much time on the computer now that Mike is home. In the meantime, here's a picture of Caitlin, looking very scary with the Halloween Mr. Potato Head fangs in her mouth.

I'll post pictures of our pretty princess and dashing dragon. Happy Halloween!

One last Happy Birthday!

Ryan got lucky this year and had an extra long, drawn out birthday celebration because of Mike's homecoming. When Mike left in March, we told Ryan that Daddy would be home for this birthday. Mike missed his actually birthday by a few days, which resulted in multiple celebrations. On his real birthday, he celebrated at preschool and had a birthday lunch with Grandma Kay, Uncle Dave, and Jessica, and a birthday dinner with Grandma Barb, Grandpa Pat, and Uncle Joe. On the day Mike came home, we had another little celebration with a chocolate bear cake (personally requested by Ryan!). And last Friday, we culminated the 10 days of birthday with a party at The Farm in Snohomish with some of his buddies! Whew!

The Farm was an incredible place to have a party. There were so many things to do. We stayed there for close to 3 hours! The kids got to go through the hay maze, ride in a wagon out to the fields to pick out a pumpkin, visit the petting zoo, and play with all sorts of farm toys. They had a blast! I think we may be going back next year!

All of the kids got to pick out and take home a small pumpkin.

Ryan loved playing with these diggers in the sand. That's his buddy, Adrian, behind him.

Caitlin steering the tractor.

Ryan enjoying yet another birthday treat!

Tatum, Taylor, and Ryan playing in the corn bin. It's similar to a ball bin, but with corn kernels.

They grow up so quickly

I was organizing my pictures last night and came across some older videos of Caitlin. I took the following video right after Mike left in March. It's amazing to see how much she has changed in just seven months. Sometimes, I wish I could make time stand still!

March 2008 -- Saying 'hi' to Daddy

October 2008 -- Singing Jesus Loves Me

Daddy is home!

After being apart for 214 days, our family is once again complete! The USS SHOUP pulled in right on time at 9:30 am on Sunday morning. The kids and I (along with several other excited family members) went to the base to meet the ship. We parked and walked out on the pier. When we got out there, we could see the ship in the distance, slowly making it's way to the pier.

Here's the ship as it pulled alongside the pier. The sailors are "manning the rails" or standing on the perimeter of the ship - it's pretty cool to see!
Meeting Daddy! You can expect to receive this picture in your Christmas card!I wasn't sure how the kids would react, but they have been awesome! Caitlin immediately wanted to be with Daddy. On Sunday, she wouldn't let me do anything for her (except change a poopy diaper - thanks, Mike!). Mike is enjoying getting to know her again. She wasn't talking much when he left and now she is a little chatterbox.
Welcome home, Daddy!!

ONE...

TWO...

Party at preschool

Ryan had a very special birthday celebration at preschool yesterday. He got a special birthday book and certificate, a cool crown, and he got to bring a yummy birthday treat: OREOS!

Ryan absolutely loves preschool! There are two Ryans in his class, so that's why they are singing to "Ryan M."!

THREE...

The kids were a little squirrelly this morning, so this is all I could get!

Ryan is FOUR!

Our lives definitely changed for the better when Ryan entered the world on October 9, 2004. We've had so much fun being his mommy and daddy and thank God every day that he chose us to be his parents! Happy Birthday Ry!!

Here's some pictures of previous birthdays -- and the various places he celebrated!

Ryan Patrick McGee

October 9, 2004 ~ 4:24 am

8 pounds 12 ounces ~ 21 inches

Naval Medical Center - San Diego, CA

1st Birthday (and first time eating cake) - Pacific Grove, CA

2nd Birthday - MY Museum with friends, Sevrin and Spencer - Monterey, CA

3rd birthday - our house in Washington (look it how small Caitlin was just one year ago!!)

FOUR...

Almost there

The final countdown...

FIVE...

Awesome picture

Mike just emailed me this incredible picture of his ship pulling into Sydney. Just 10 more days until we get to see him!!