Festive December

Merry Christmas! Here's our 2017 Christmas card photo, taken by a self-timer camera phone in our own backyard. Our kitty surprised us and walked right into the picture!

So fun setting up the house for Christmas.

A performed with the Ken Ebo Jazz Orchestra (lead by a fellow Marine musician) at the local Toys for Tots Benefit Concert. What a great show!

First time in at least 12 years wearing a tux!

The Norfolk Yule Log Bonfire and Christmas Market. 

A and Gregg performing at a School of Music graduation for the last time this year.

The School of Music's Tri-Service Staff Brass Quintet.

The entertaining blue jays and plump squirrels in our backyard. 

Lovely winter sights including this sunrise from Z's bedroom window.

And the chilly but beautiful Atlantic Ocean from the Boardwalk.

The only nerd dressed as R2-D2 at the opening night of the newest Star Wars movie.

At church, Z sang with the Children's Choir, and L played the harp during the worship. 

And someone turned 8 years old! Happy birthday, big Z!

To celebrate, we skipped school early and visited the Virginia Aquarium!

Hey there, Mr. Komodo Dragon.

We had beautiful weather, perfect for the nature trail to see the otters.

After dinner, we capped off the birthday celebration with a drive through the fantastic Christmas lights at the Norfolk Botanical Garden!

The 8-year-old enjoying some of her birthday gifts!

Thank you to our family across the country for the fun gifts!

Finally, we celebrated our Savior's birth before heading out on our Christmas adventure up north. Happy Birthday, Jesus!

East Coast Fall: Part 2

On Veteran's Day weekend, we drove to Clarksburg, Maryland to visit family. Loved the fall colors as we headed to the neighborhood playground with Theo A and cousin J.

Celebrating Daddy's birthday dinner while in Maryland.

And we celebrated J's 4th birthday with a superhero/crafting party at Michael's. 

J's aunt and grandparents from New Jersey also joined us. 

Happy birthday, cousin!

Next up, the USMC Birthday Ball with the Marine Detachment of the Naval School of Music! With A's warrant selection announced this fall, this made for an extra special celebration.

L finally wore an updo, thanks to her friend Terri who did a great job!

A with the two other warrant officer selectees/buddies and Master Guns in the middle. 

L's lovely friends who all happen to be current or prior Marines!

Also in November, we attended a Lumberjack Breakfast Bash hosted by our military housing at the Hunt Club Farm. Such a fun event!

Z loved the pony ride and A made friends with this sweet bobtail barn cat.

 

 Look at all those hungry faces!

First time ever petting a zebra, so soft and sweet! 

Chicken catcher.

The parakeets were so fun too, and so many!

On Thanksgiving, we helped cook a meal for about 25 Marine students from the School of Music at the Chief Warrant Officer's house on base. What a blessing to serve these Marines!

Z teaching the boss's son how to draw a raccoon.

The cooks: L, Christina, and Terri. 

Sharing our "Thankful" cards around the room. 

 Definitely one of our favorite Thanksgivings!