The Little Things

Life is all about the little things. With Aaron home again, I have had plenty of opportunties to reflect on and appreciate all the little things that brings smiles and joy to our family. I'm sure there will be a time in the near future when we will once again take these moments for granted. But, it's in this time post-deployment that I really do appreciate and recognize how very lucky we are and how special it is to have these moments.

Snuggle time in bed on a Sunday morning

Wrestling on the floor

Piggy-back rides

Playing on the couch cushions

It's these little things that make life wonderful and special. Holding hands in the car, kisses goodnight, hugs in the kitchen, a text message saying "I'm on my way home", reading on the couch while Aaron plays video games, date nights, having someone to laugh with when the kids are being silly. It's these little things and so many more that make me so very happy to have my husband home.

Happy Birthday, Miss Clara!

She's four! She's four! She's four! Ladies and gentlemen we have a four-year-old in the house. Just like that, our baby girl, who once was so tiny and cuddly is now big and giggly.

Our bashful birthday girl

The amazing cake my incredibly talented friend Linda made

We celebrated with a Rapunzel/Tangled themed birthday party at the local "kids love it, parents go bonkers" hot spot of Blazers Fun Zone. Blazers is a haven of bounce houses, inflatable slides, rock climbing, putt-putt, roller skating and arcade games. The kids had a blast, the parents were busy keeping up with the kids, while also having a fun time watching and participating in the festivities. It was very nice to not have to prepare or clean-up and simply enjoy the celebration.

Clara and her friend Allie all wide-eyed and silly

Miss Clara trying out her new Barbie skates from Santa

The Birthday Girl enjoying some cotton candy on her special day

Clara's special day has come and gone and it was a great one. We are so glad our friends and family were able to celebrate with us. Now we get to watch as our big girl grows another year bigger, brighter, and keeps us smiling.