Game Day

If you read this blog, then you probably already know that we LOVE Alabama football! I mean pink, puffy heart LOVE it! I think football season is part of the reason I love fall so much. I miss so much getting to tailgate and actually go to the Bama games, but am thankful to watch them on TV, knowing that one day we will again get to attend the games.

Uncle Josh got Cole this cute Alabama jersey for Christmas last year and he is finally able to wear it. It is a 3T, but he grew in it fast. He looks so cute in it!

We had a great weekend cheering the Tide on to their 24-20 victory against the #10 Arkansas Razorbacks!

Cole also enjoyed yelling Roll Tide and cheering the Tide on!

Looking forward to a great season, but sad that after October I will have to watch the games all alone. :-(

On that note, please be in prayer for our family as we prepare for Jonathan's upcoming deployment.

My favorite verse through all of this "preparation" for Jonathan to leave (and our new assignment, house selling, etc.) is below:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all under understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Random Cuteness

Not sure what this face is about or why he is on Kaden's bike and not his own, but still cute nonetheless. This was taken with Jonathan's iPhone and was from the weekend when I was at the retreat. Cole is slowly starting to learn how to pedal his bike...now we need to teach him to steer and brake. :-)

Another picture from my retreat weekend. They went to "Get the red out" for the Mules football game and Clifford made an appearance.

Cole playing in daddy's truck and wearing his hat.

You can't get the full effect from this picture, but Cole has been taking an entourage of animals with him to bed for naptime and bedtime. There were several more crammed down at his feet, but I couldn't get them in the picture. It cracks me up because he is so obsessed with animals. Maybe he will be a vet when he grows up. :-)

We went to Independence Center last weekend and they have this nifty little train that you can ride around the mall. Of course Cole had to ride it and it was only $3 each, so we couldn't say no. I let him and his daddy partake in this fun.

And a cute little video of him during the train ride.

Wings Over Whiteman

The base had their air show this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. However, on Friday night they had a twilight viewing for military only. This was great because the weather was nice and somewhat cool and there was no crowds. Here is Cole before heading out. His shirt has an A-10 on it and it says Cool Yer Jets. He has had this shirt for a few months and I just now put it on him. Good thing I did because it was almost too small.

Smiling with Daddy before heading out.

The huge monster truck. I had my attack shirt on also so we were all dressed in our A-10 gear. :-)

Cole and Kaden holding hands. Glad to know Cole does has some sweetness in him. :-)

Silly boys! These two sure can entertain one another.

Cole and Daddy on a helicopter. The pilot of this plane was their and he was kind enough to let them crawl all over it.

But, since Friday just wasn't enough for us, we had to go back Saturday and enjoy the heat and crowds. Jonathan was working the static display so he got to tell people all about the A-10 and answer their questions. This was right up his alley.

We did manage to get a family pic. Cole and I decided to forgo our A-10 gear in exchange for our Alabama gear. It was a great day for the Tide too!

While daddy worked the static display, Cole and I headed to the bounce houses and slide. He of course had a blast. Here he is in action.

After that we had a picnic in the shade under the A-10, played a little bit more and then called it a day.

We all had a great time at the air show. This was our second and most likely last one to attend here at Whiteman. I will say it MUCH more enjoyable this year than last. Cole getting older and actually being able to enjoy things makes life much more pleasant.

Spouse Tanker Ride

Jonathan's squadron has been planning a spouse tanker ride for the last few months and Monday was the day. When Jonathan first asked me if I wanted to do this (which was back in June) I knew for sure I did. I was a little apprehensive sitting in the tanker waiting to take off, but it turned out to be a great experience and I am so glad I was able to be a part of it.

Jonathan and I before he stepped to go fly.

Heading out to the KC-135 Tanker. This plane was huge!

Getting buckled into my seat and ready for takeoff. This is right before I got nervous. :-)

My view from the airplane window. So cool seeing these jets in action!

Waiting for Jonathan to approach the boom. I got to wear the headphones and talk to him.

Jonathan on the boom filling up with fuel. It was just awesome to get to talk to him while he was flying. A first in the eight years he has been in the AF.

The boom operator. This guy was so nice and accomodating to us. He has to lay flat on his stomach to operate the boom. My back hurt from just the 10 minutes I was down there so I can only imagine how he feels. Reminds me that it takes alot of work from other people just for Jonathan to be able to go out and fly.

All the spouses!

What a great time I had! So grateful for my husband and the selfless job he does to keep us safe.

Circus

We ventured out to Kansas City Sunday afternoon and took Cole to the Barnum and Bailey Circus. This is something I always loved to do as a kid so I knew I wanted to take Cole as soon as he got old enough. We didn't make it through the entire thing, but we did make it through most of it. For his age I think he did great. He loved the elephants, horses and tigers. This boy loves animals and wants to pet every one he sees! :-)

Here he is playing with his overpriced toy.

So excited!

With daddy.

A not so good picture of the horses.

And an attempt at a family picture. Which also didn't turn out very good!

The circus was fun, but best of all it was great just to spend time with the family. After being gone all weekend I sure was ready to come home to these sweet boys.

FBC Women's Retreat

This weekend I attended the FBC Women's Retreat with around 100 other ladies. What an awesome time to get together and spend the weekend with those who love the Lord! The retreat was held at Embassy Suites in Kansas City. When we arrived Friday afternoon we checked in and then headed to the hotel restaurant to eat dinner before the events started at 7:00pm. These cute little goodies awaited us when we checked into our room. The theme was "Bloom" so our mugs said Plant, Grow, Bloom.

At dinner with Chauna, Dani and Alex (not sure why Alex wasn't in the picture). These girls were the BEST roommates. We laughed so hard the entire weekend!

We woke up bright and early Saturday morning for some worship and then our breakout sessions. I enjoyed both of my sessions, but really loved the one I did about growing strong. Boy was I ever convicted! Hoping the seeds of change that were planted in my heart this weekend will bloom! We were within walking distance to the Plaza so that made our down time on Saturday afternoon very enjoyable. Lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and then shopping!

Dani and Chauna

Me and Alex

All four of us

Saturday night we had a very nice formal dinner. It was four course and it was very yummy! Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures of us all dressed up. Not sure how that happened!!

The entire weekend was spiritually refreshing which made it was so nice to come back home feeling renewed in the Lord.

Ready for Fall

Cole and I stopped by the park for a bit after Bible study yesterday. It was just a beautiful day with just right temperatures. While I have had a great summer, I am starting to feel the twinge of readiness for fall. It is my most favorite season and I decorate for it about as much as I do for Christmas. I love all things about fall...the crisp air, pumpkins, mums, the changing colors, football, and I could go on and on. I think Cole was really enjoying the cooler air too because neither one of us really wanted to leave the park.

Here is a verse from Bible Study yesterday. I have heard it many times (and actually quoted it in my salutatorian speech when I graduated high school). I just love it so it was a great reminder to hear yesterday.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grown weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Labor Day Weekend

We had a blast over Labor Day weekend just spending family time together at Osage Beach. We stayed at Tan-Tar-A back in July and loved it so much that we went back again. Jonathan's parents met us there too which was a real treat. Here are some pictures from our weekend, in no particular order. :-)

Getting to visit with Mawmaw right after they arrived

Playing at the resort park...

Beautiful sunset down at sunset pointe

Cole giving me sweet kisses

It was so chilly in the mornings... Jonathan covering Cole up with the towel.

Cole sliding down the big slide all by himself!

Showing his Crimson Tide love!

We ate at the resort breakfast buffet every morning. Jonathan had enough food to feed a small army. :-)

Playing in the rocks with Mawmaw

Cole with Mawmaw and Pawpaw

Pawpaw "getting" Cole

We had such a fun weekend and it was a great way to end our summer. We have had a great summer, but I am also ready for fall... my favorite time of the year!!