Hello? Is this thing on?

Yeah, well, it's been a bit chaotic around here, so I'll try to catch everyone up with a photo-filled update.

The trip. It was long. Actually it only took us 4 1/2 days, but let me tell you... Nebraska? Longest state EVER!! Not necessarily in miles, but in minutes of pure boredom. We crossed from Lincoln, Nebraska all the way to the furthest west town in Wyoming (Evanston) in one day. One long day. But overall, the trip was good. The weather was amazing, nothing but sun. Thank you for all well-wishes from the last post! We had goofy moments. Many of them. That's what happens when you don't see your spouse for two months and then spend five days together non-stop!
When we got home, we received the not-so-good news that Jason did not receive the recruiting job he was after, although he could take a different job. So we cried a bit and worried a bit.

And the next day? We realized that everything we have done over the last couple of months and all the opportunities that have presented themselves all point to the fact that we should concentrate on staying in my home town. So we are. Jason went out and got a job (YAY!), we're fixing up my grandparents' old house, and the kids get to stay in their great schools!!!

We are firm believers in the idea that everything happens for a reason, and this just feels right. Jason may still enter the National Guard or Reserves just to keep his Federal status active for retirement benefits. But we're also waiting to hear about a different possible job that would maintain that status and pay more than his current one does. We're really excited about what these changes may bring!

We got back last Wednesday, which meant we were in plenty of time to celebrate Emma's sixth birthday. What a beauty she is, and such a character! For those of you that spoke with her on her birthday and were regaled with the story of her being banished to the living room for two hours, let me explain. Long ago I started the misguided tradition of creating custom cakes for her. Nothing fancy, but cut into shapes with some basic frosting decoration. This year she requested a horse. Yikes! Thus, the banishment while I created!

It may not be the most attractive horse cake ever made, but heck, she knew what it was when we presented it to her! And it tasted darn good!

Last weekend, she went to the birthday party of a classmate and had her first roller-skating experience. She loved it! And by the end of the party, she was helping me pick her friends up off the floor! (Yes, I skated too, for the first time in who knows how long. What fun!)

I don't have much news in regards to George, other than he looked to be about a foot taller when he came running out to meet us last week! He's learning about a word a day and is WAY into Thomas trains. And he's on Spring Break starting tomorrow.... for the next two weeks. Oh boy. Keep that good weather coming!