Here we go again

I realize it has been a very long time since we have updated. That is a given considering the state we have been living in during the past year or so. Chris returned home from Iraq in July after a one-year tour. We have been adjusting to dual parenting while loving and hating it simultaneously. To say the least, it has been an adjustment. Chris has transitioned to life as a full-time student and stay-home daddy while Karissa has moved on to teach middle school math in Dixon, a small local farm town. We are still waiting and praying about what the near future holds and what God has planned for our family. We are living day by day trying to love with all our hearts and be grateful for what we have been given. It has been a blast to walk the kiddos through these years and watch them grow into smart, funny, athletic, extroverted, God-loving little children.

We took on the added responsibility of home schooling Elijah this year because we needed flexibility not know what was in store for our family this year. He is loving learning and has an amazing math brain. Getting him to write has been a challenge, but his reading and writing are coming along well.

Travels

We have had a very busy year since Daddy has been gone. Karissa took a job teaching High School Math and Physics. It has been a challenge to juggle parenthood, teaching and the demands of life. Last week the military paid for all of us to go to a conference in Southern California and we took advantage of the time. We made the trip into a mini vacation as well. We made a family trip to Sea World San Diego with our friends, the Grubb's. The kids loved it and enjoyed seeing all the animals and shows. Unfortunately, the day ended with a downpour. It was a blast despite the weather. What would a trip to Southern California be without a stop at Disneyland? We met Grammie and Bob and Kim for a day of play at Disneyland. The trip was exhausting, but a lot of fun. The biggest challenge: An airplane flight with three young kiddos and only a mommy:)