Party animals

We celebrated Grandpa Lieber's b'day last weekend. It was a Hawaiian theme and the boys loved wearing their leis. 

 Papa also gave Austin a cute little haircut. He looks so darling.

9/11

No matter how much time has passed, when 9/11 rolls around again, you are transported back to that morning years ago when our freedom and safety was rocked. When we no longer felt like a spectator in the world wars on the other man's turf. Not that all that was already going on wasn't devastating or important, but on our soil, our innocent civilians, our buildings... It was a day like no other and I can hardly believe this monumental day was actually during my lifetime. 

Today we remember those that were lost, we thank those who have served and continue to serve on our behalf, and we pray for our leaders to make wise decisions for our nation. It's crazy that so many years have passed and we are still in a place of unrest. It's so scary. 

And yet on the other side of the coin, many celebrate birthdays and wedding anniversaries on this day. There is also reason to be grateful, happy, and hopeful. So today I cling to those emotions, because that's all I can do. We can still maintain a reverence for that day, while keeping a countenance of hope. Obama's speech last night about our future involvements with ISIS and the threat that is still posed against our own country, was a scary one. Especially being a military family now, these speeches really hit home, and have the potential to greatly impact our family. Just when we thought we were nearing the end of the war, greater threats have come about. As a mother, you want nothing more than the safety and happiness of your children. While my kids are living blissfully unaware of most of what's going on abroad, there are children around the globe being subjected to every parent's worst nightmare. I pray for peace around the world, that we all might know of the higher power which has given us life and given us purpose on this earth. 

First day of school... finally!

It seems like it took forever for school to start for Parker but the  day finally came. Mrs. Valdes is his teacher (she was also the assistant in his class last year). She's great with the kids. 

First we had visitation day. He has lots of buddies in his class from last year. Jakey, Parker, and Tucker. 

 First day. Austin looked for his name when he got in the class when Park was checking in.

Parker has really been missing Pete. The night before he was sitting under the kitchen table crying because he was missing him. So sad. He told my mom that he pretends that his stuffed animals are Daddy, so he can sleep with him. He also told him, "I'm done being the man of the house. It's a lot of work." haha. 

So boy did this video make his day when he watched it on the way to school...

Now everytime we see anyone in uniform the boys yell out, "Hey, it's Daddy's Navy friends!"

 Austin basically asks if it's time to pick up Parker the whole time he's gone. These two!

Some cute guys...

That's my handsome husband in uniform, perfecting his "thousand yard stare." He found this pic someone took from the parade on Labor Day. 

 Uncle Dan came home from his mission. He is happier and healthier than he's ever been and we're so proud of him.

 And then there's this grumpy guy. He's going through a moody phase. It's hilarious!

These guys...

As much as I want to tear my hair out some days, deep down they are really just cute kids. 

 I mean, he just wanted to be a superhero... how can I be mad about that?

 I made something for our home in Virginia... Pete's response... "Interesting."

 So happy that it's college football season again. Michigan is back and we are excited! Go Blue!

Choir boy

Parker has become such an attentive little singer. When Pete was in Spain and learning to speak the language, he recalls how he used to repeat not only what the native speakers were saying but also mimic HOW they were saying it. Because of this, he developed a very native sound and people are often surprised by how well he speaks. Parker has that same intuitive ability with music (and will probably do the same with other languages someday). He listens very carefully to tone and dynamics, and tries to mimic the sound exactly. In church, he learned about staccato notes and chopping up the words. He was demonstrating at home one night...

Back at Disneyland

After a nice break of going to Disneyland (our passes were not valid over the summer), we finally got to go again last week. It was awesome. It was a last minute decision, and I wasn't sure how crowds would be, but I figured since most schools were back in session, this was our best shot. And it was AWESOME! We waited no more than 10 minutes for a ride, saw several shows, and Austin had grown enough to go on the Autopia. Whoo hoo! I am so glad we got these passes this year. They have been well used and a fun memory for the boys and I. 

Small World is still a favorite and I love the air conditioning!