I dedicate this house to the Griswold Family Christmas...

Clearly Emmie loves Eli =)

First of all Merry Christmas! We spent the day withuot rushing and taking our time this morning getting around to opening gifts. I even cooked our dinner last night instead of today and it was so nice to not have it be all over the place this year. Of course having Jason home was enough of a gift and to make the holidays even more special even if it was just the two of us. :)

I truly have been meaning to update. I am working on putting together lesson plans for after Christmas break with my kids and Jason and I have been pretty busy. Mentally things have been exhausting around here and we really haven't had much of a break with him pulling a few 24's by the week and everyone clearing post and leaving. Not to mention I have been squealing inside at the idea of taking a little vacation from our home for my mental sanity and for some new scenery.

So why not, right?! Exactly. Jason is on leave and we are getting up early in the morning and making the 6+ hour drive down to Anchorage to spend a few days. We really haven't made any big plans other than spending time together without work, without technology, without our loud neighbors and away from this place. :) Emmie is already shaking over the fact that things are being packed and she might not be going but little does she know that mama booked a pet friendly hotel so they could go too! Hopefully it will be scenic, relaxing and just what we need.

I shall return before the new year!

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

Ahh the holidays!

I just love this time of year where everything is decorated, more time for family, everyone seems happier (minus a few Scrooges) and all the food. Yes, I love food.

We are anxiously awaiting orders to where we are going next. We should be leaving by April and so the clock is ticking. We originally waited SEVEN months for orders that never happened because of a fabulous waiting list. That gave us only a week to decide on something new that was offered before the Army did for Jason. Sound familiar? Nothing is ever set in stone, right? Now we have a few change of plans and I hope by the end of the week we have something on paper so I can share it with you. :)

Our house is put back together after the incident a few weeks ago and last night we put our Christmas tree up. Eli is making himself at home already and terrorizing Emmie on an hourly basis. It took a little while for her to warm up to him, but I think now she does love having someone her own size to play with.

Pictures to come soon! I hope everyone is doing well :)