For Emily :)

So, I haven't been very bloggy lately, I know. Things have been busy. Paul's still on leave and we've been doing some traveling and just trying to enjoy the free time together. There are some big changes about to occur for our little family (No. I'm not preggo) and I've been really trying to savor each moment of familiarity before everything shifts.

That being said, I thought I would just share some pictures that I've taken over the last week or so. We went on a mini family ski vacation up to the mountains in Northern Virginia and had a blast spending time with our Cortez side of the family!

Here are some scenery pics from our drive home down Skyline Drive in Shenandoah Valley...

And here are some of the Family...

And last but not least, My honey...

Don't you love the angelic glow behind him? It's because he "light's up my life" (hehe).

Soccer on Ice

Paul and I decided to take a walk with the girls last night around Burba Lake on Ft Meade. It was a bit chilly but we were anxious to get out of the house so we braved the brisk weather anyway.

Upon arrival, we noticed immediately that the lake was partially frozen. We ooh'd and aah'd over it for a few minutes and I took a few pictures as we walked.

Paul and Eva took turns skipping small rocks over the ice...

and then decided to kick the soccer ball around. Paul wanted to show off his "mad juggling skills."

And this is where those mad skills landed his ball...

Yeah.

His immediate reaction was to see if he could walk across the ice to grab it.

I laughed at him and told him that hypothermia and a pricey hospitalization weren't worth the $5 soccer ball.

So then, he thought he would throw a stick at it to get it rolling, hoping it would roll close enough the bank.

The stick didn't even come close.

He stood there, perplexed.

After a few moments, he turned around, shrugged his shoulders and headed to the park so that the girls could go down the slide.

Moral of the story: Soccer balls and frozen lakes don't mix.

A Taste of Spring

Yesterday, it was actually in the 50's here! 50 never felt so warm. I was so excited that I rushed out and bought some pretty flowers (not to plant...I'm not quite ready for that) and bubbles for Eva.

We spent the late afternoon at the park enjoying the hint of spring weather in the middle of January.

Still Here

I am here and I am longing to blog again. But for some reason, time seems so fleeting these days. Paul is still on leave and as much as I thought that might free up time for me, I find myself wanting to spend my spare moments enjoying his presence instead of utilizing it. Not to mention that both of my girls have entered a season of being, shall we say... HANDFULS. It seems no matter how much I hurry and scurry around the house, picking up this or putting away that, they are right behind me to pull it back out again. My little darlings **said through gritted teeth and flaring nostrils** I am ever on my toes.

I have also been spending a few hours each day in the gym. Oh yes, Ash, you would be proud for I am well on my way to becoming a work-out-aholic and, dare I share this so soon, am starting a training program in February to run a 1/2 marathon! Ugh, and ow I've shared it and must be held accountable. That's okay though...a little more motivation.

I have yet to lose any of the 30 lbs I want off this year, but I know my body will catch up. I have lost 3 inches of my waist and was able to go down a size in my jeans and tops, so that's fun.

Oh and projects! I've been doing LOTS of projects and I have many more in the works. Here, I'll show you...

Oh, and I was convinced to get a Facebook. So, ya know...add me.

Leave Pics

So, the girls and I have been thoroughly enjoying Paul's time off and Paul has made it a priority to spend some good, quality time with each of his girls on their own.

Eva had the opportunity to go on not one, but TWO daddy dates last week.

And, we were able to go to Philadelphia as a family.

And, I've got a project in the works inspired by her. Once it's finished, I'll be sure to post pics!

**all photos by Paul. To see better quality photos go here.***

Leave

Paul is on leave.

He's on leave for a month and the girls and I are so excited. We have big plans. Plans to RELAX. Plans to take a few trips (we're going to Philly tomorrow) and plans to spend a little time with family.

But best of all, plans to be together, AS a family.

I love Leave.