27 days

We load the moving truck in 27 days. My parents came down with the kids and I on Sunday. They spent 2 days working so hard helping us pack. My mom has my kitchen packed. She only left out a few essentials for cooking and eating. They have us pretty much packed with the exception of some clothes, furniture, and a few items like pictures and books. I have the absolute best parents in the world. They have always worked so hard to help us with moving, the kids, and traveling. They go way out of their way to help us out. I nominate them parents of the decade.
The other day I took the dogs to the vet for their shots and check up before we move. They were concerned about Patch, because he's so old and has hip displacia, but his blood work came back fine. Bandit's blood work came back with his white blood cell count way off. The vet is suspecting something with his liver or cushings disease. Cushings disease has something to do with the adrenal gland. I won't go into detail. You can google it if you are curious. So, now I have to collect a urine sample from him and take it down to the vet, which is a 20 minute drive. Normally this wouldn't be a hard task, but with a baby and 3 year old it makes it challenging to get it done by myself. I know my neighbors are going to be wondering what I'm doing following my beagle around with a pan to catch his pee. The things we do for our dogs. For anyone wanting a dog, they are wonderful companions, but expensive.
I am so ready to get off this base. They are running exercises this week. The siren and loud speaker have been going off constantly for days. Nolan is always waking up with it. His naps have been short and it has been waking him up at night. Its crazy. I'm going to lose my mind.

Who's Growing Up Too Fast?

Nolan is trying to walk already. I can't believe it. Last summer he was still nice and cozy in my belly. Kids grow up way too fast. The kids and I have been enjoying our time in Maryland. We only have a couple more days left until we go home and get ready for our move. Last night Colleen and I played putt putt with Rory's family, Tonya, and Kyle. Colleen had a blast. Kyle is her only cousin and she loves doing things with him. I think it is so sweet how excited she gets when she spends time with him. We're going to miss hanging out with everybody and there is a lot to do up here, but its time to go home. We miss daddy! Be home soon daddy!!! I hope you are sleeping in while we are gone, because it'll be early mornings again when we get home.

The sky last night was amazing after a storm. We had a full rainbow. The whole sky looked like a painting. It looked so much more beautiful in person. My camera doesn't take very good scenic pictures. I really enjoyed watching the sky change last night. Mom mom has a good view from her house. It was relaxing.

Sara left

Sara left yesterday. We were all bummed. Colleen has a special bond with her and she really misses her. Sara was the only one she wanted to take her quiet time with and she actually napped a few times with Sara. Colleen never naps, I was so surprised when I peaked in those few times and she was snuggled up with Sara's arm and sound asleep. Colleen is doing good though, because she knows that soon we will be moving closer to Sara. Another member of the family that was devastated by Sara's leaving was chance. Poor dog was so sad watching her drive away. He loves Sara. We had a fun trip together though. We always do. The day Sara left we didn't realize it right away, but Sara and I were wearing the same shirt. Its the twin thing I guess. Great minds think alike.

Monday

We've been here in Maryland for one week now. I have no clue where the time went. This past week has gone by so fast. Rory left on Sunday to go back home. I stayed up with the kids to spend more time with the parents and Sara. Yesterday evening, us girls had a splendid tea party. Colleen really knows how to throw a tea party. Today we ate a yummy lunch at Chic Fila and had an afternoon of shopping at the outlet mall. It was only in the 80s and so nice to be outside and spend time with my mom and Sara. We always have a grand time together. I bought a cool tent thing from the outlet mall and tonight we are going to have a pajama/slumber party. Colleen is so excited. Her first slumber party. We made pie and bought a ton of junk food and snacks. I can't wait until we move closer to Sara. I will miss being a days drive from my parents though. Our family always has such a good time together. We all have hopes that my dad will get a job out west in the near future so that we can all be close.

Coffee

Grandad is teaching Colleen how to make coffee in the french press.

My Little Man

Nolan is 9 months old now. Babies grow so fast. He crawls all over the house now. He's my little monkey, if there is something for him to climb on, he climbs on it. He is always happy and hates to sleep. He doesn't want to miss out on anything. He loves to laugh. If anybody starts laughing, he joins right in. He's also a ham. Yesterday at his 9 month appointment, he had all the nurses laughing really hard. He kept putting his blanket over his head and making the silliest face when he pulled it off. That is one of his favorite games. He's also my old lady magnet. Everywhere we go little old ladies stop to talk to us. He loves to quack like a duck. He crawls around the house quacking like a duck and every time he sees a picture of a duck he gets excited and quacks. He loves food. If he sees the bag of baby cookies, he gets so excited. He likes to dance. Its so cute when babies dance. He's a very early riser, but is so happy morning. He is interested in everything he can't have, such as cords, outlets, remotes, cell phones. He loves his big sister. He loves to tug on her hair, she thinks its funny. He is such a fun baby, I just know he's going to grow up to be an easy going person.

counting down

58 days until I leave North Carolina for good and 20 of those days I will be in Maryland. So, I have a grand total of 38 days to spend in North Carolina. I'm so excited!