Air Force vs. Navy

For those of you that might follow football, you might realize that this game was back on October 4th...that is how far behind I am right now. Anyway, being in a Navy squadron, this is the second year that the guys have gone on a cross country to the game. Since it was in Colorado Springs, CO this year, my friend Kathleen and I (along with Jackson) made the weekend trip out there and me the boys. It was a whirlwind trip! We left the Pensacola airport at 5:30...first flight out. After a small layover in Atlanta, we made it to the Springs around lunch time. We had quite the adventure at the Denver airport...that is where we landed...then drove to Colorado Springs, went to the Academy gift shop for shirts for the game, and checked into the hotel. We had a great weekend. Air Force lost the game, but it was a great weekend get-a-way.

After the game

Outside the stadium

The marching band...wings!

Girls Weekend!

My sisters, Alexis and Rachel, came to visit. Of course my only nephew was there as well. We had a great time...went shopping, to the beach, and just relaxed. I am amazed at how BIG Mason is!! At the time of his visit, he was 9 months old and is already in 18 month clothing! I guess that he takes after his father. I am waiting on the pictures from Rae to get here, but until then, here is the first picture of them that I have. They flew here and brought so much stuff, that my trunk was overflowing. I had to put the stroller in the front seat with me and the three of them squeezed into the back seat. Enjoy! I promise more pictures.

The trunk...can you believe it was only for three days!!

First attempt...Mason's eyes were closed

Much better

Marriage Retreat

Back at the start of September, Taris and I had the opportunity to go on a Marriage retreat sponsored by the Navy, exclusively for IP's (instructor pilots). The retreat was at a Marriott Resort in Panama City Beach, FL...about 2 1/2 hours from Pensacola. We had a marvelous time and loved the Panama City area...a great place to visit. We learned a lot...how to communicate better, the importance of being friends, and speaking each others love language. One of the rules for the weekend was that we couldn't watch any television all weekend. If you know us, you know that is hard for this family...what a nice change...I loved it! My favorite part was on Sunday...after the church service and group photo, we had two hours to create a gift/craft for our spouse and write a love letter that would be mailed to us in about a month. I put Taris' gift to me on the fridge and we just got our letters in the mail on Thursday. I was so excited. Anyway...pictures from the trip.

View of the resort from the water

Shell Island...a private island...amazing sand and beautiful water

Taris while we had the afternoon for a date

Me in the warm water