Iron's Fruit Farm

First, (since I have been blog absent for a while) I'm happy to report my brother made it home safely from his year tour in South Korea about a month ago.  It was such a long awaited reunion and yet, bittersweet.  The day before my brother got back to the states-in fact Jake got the news at the airport in Korea-my grandpa passed away.  I wasn't able to make it back in time from Cincinnati and I was (still am actually) pretty upset about not being able to have seen him before he went.  The report I had gotten from my dad just the day before was that he was doing better and then he went so quick no one was able to make it to the hospital.  I'm sure it was his time and he was ready, he lived a long 89 years, but it isn't ever easy.  So the few days Jake was home before reporting to his next duty station was spent with family saying goodbye to our very special grandpa. 

We did have a special moment, surprising Jake at the airport.  I wish I would have gotten a picture of it but I was so happy to see him in person I sort of forgot!  He didn't think we were coming because he actually flew into Indianapolis and his girlfriend, Natalie, was going to pick him up.  We kept the kids up way past their bedtime-considering Jake missed his connection in Detroit from hold ups in customs and didn't get in to Indy until 11:30pm-but it was well worth it to see Avery run to her Uncle Jake with her arms wide open to give him his first hug!  Spencer wasn't far behind and it made my brother so happy that the kids missed him so much and didn't forget him-thanks to skype Spencer really got to know Uncle Jake while he was in Korea (since he was only 1 when he left).  Anyway, we had a great time with him in the few short days, we had a bonfire, family meals, and Jake bought his very first car!  He's now stationed in Kentucky (40 minutes outside of Nashville) and only about 3 1/2 hours from us!  I can't wait to visit him once he gets settled:)  He will be deploying to Afghanistan January 2013, leaving just a little over a year for us to enjoy him being back! 



Avery's First Field Trip

Yesterday, I was able to tag along with Avery and her classmates to an adorable little working farm for a hayride and pumpkin picking.  Spencer came too and it was such a blast to get to watch Avery with her classmates and friends.  I drop her off and pick her up and get to hear about the kids in her class, but it was nice to finally see them interact!  Her teachers are great and we're really happy with our choice in her school!

 
There are just under two weeks until my little princess turns 4! We can't believe she's getting so big. The time has sort of crept up on us and Artie and I are scrambling to make plans for her big day (or weekend since her bday is on a Monday). Be sure to check back for birthday fun!