Headed Overseas!

Jason left just a few minutes ago on a bus headed to Cherry Point, VA where he will fly to Ireland, Romania, Kurkistan, Germany and then Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan. It was pretty neat meeting the officers and other Marines while we waited on the truck and bus. After they loaded up the bus, Marines on the base played Taps and took the flag down. Here are some of the photos from the day.

Jason took a picture of us after he loaded the bus but pulled back in from the window before I could get one of him!

Aggie Ring Ceremony!

The time arrived for Natalie to go in and receive her ring. Adam Frazier has requested that he be able to give it to her.

Adam requested two forms of ID even though he has known her for about 21 years! Rules are rules, you know!

Adam pulls out the ring box but tells Natalie that a mistake was made. Instead of Class of 2010, her ring says Class of 2001!

Natalie catches on and realizes that Adam and Melissa have cooked up this prank!

Now, Adam gives Natalie her Aggie Ring!

All Aggie Smiles!

Look at the SHINE! Gig 'Em, Aggies!

Maddie is confused - UH Cougar Claw or A&M Gig 'Em!

Still showing off the ring all the way home!

Michelle and Natalie compare their Aggie Rings! (These girls look a little different than they did in first grade in Mrs. Evans' classroom!)

Time for the Ring Dunking - with a few modifications! We used Aggie Champagne (maroon, of course!) and a more petite "pitcher."

Adam kept track of her time and Natalie "dunked" her ring!

Here are some photos that we took the next day when it wasn't so crowded!

Getting Ready for the Aggie Ring Ceremony

We made it to the campus early for Natalie's Ring Ceremony to take pictures and look around. I love these two photos. Do you see Maddie in the first one?

Everyone is looking away and off runs Maddie! Actually, we had been counting one-two-three-GO for her - but that's not what this picture looks like! It looks like she is escaping! :)

She convinced Natalie to "climb the tall mountains" with her. (That's a quote from Dora the Explorer for those of you who don't know.)

Then they found a tree to climb!

And Gianna wanted to join in also!

"I wanna grow up and be an Aggie, too!"

Then the BIG GIRLS had to climb the tree, also!

Gianna was very happy just to be held and watch all of the funny things her family was doing while waiting!

Just Between You and Me...

I'm looked down the hallway and saw Maddie and Tsunami looking at the front door after Aunt Erin, Ermory and Meme had left.

I could hear Maddie talking to Tsunami and, while I could not hear exactly what she was saying, it was something about Kimmie's house and Easter.

Easter Weekend Activities

It's Easter Weekend and the Easter Bunny came to Kimmie's house!

The weekend started with Aunt Erin, Uncle Russ and Emory coming to our house!

Aunt Erin and Gianna catch up on family news!

Natalie had the idea of making the girls pillow case dresses so I did! We wanted a vintage look and the girls and the dresses looked so cute by the Bridal Wreath in the backyard.

Meme came for lunch on Easter Sunday and brought Maddie a turtle sleeping bag that she made including a quilted top. She used the pattern that our Aunt Audie used when Erin and Nikki were young girls.

Maddie loves her turtle and has figured out that she can pack it up like a big backpack!

Time for an Easter Egg Hunt in the backyard!

Meme brought some Confetti Eggs. Erin had to show the girls what to do!

Maddie used her kazoo to crack the eggs and then her feet!

Gianna is not sure about all of that confetti in Emory's hair!

Jahno and Gianna - Maddie was not into the family portrait mode at the time! :)

All three girls had a pink bonnet. Gianna is showing her hat to Meme.

The little girls like playing in Kimmie's living room. There is so much to see and do!

Sister smiles with Aunt Natalie!!