I haven't forgotten about you my little blog...

So I have been neglectful of my little family blog. Honestly, I can't believe how long its been since my last post, but here we go. I am going to do a bunch of back posting so that it will all be here at the end of the year when I make a book.
I am starting working backwards...
August 15th marked mine and Jon's 12 year anniversary. We have known each other since I was 14 and have been best buddies for almost 14 years. He has been and still is the best friend I've ever had. He is my light. I find my greatest peace and strength in the circle of our marriage. As our marriage matures year after year, I realize that he and I, our relationship, is the thing that matters most in life and after. Everything and everyone comes and goes over the course of a life time, but your spouse is your partner, your companion. We help one another progress through this life. We grow together in the face of great challenges and delight in life's great joys. I love this man, scratch that, I cherish this man and the amazing husband and friend he has been to me for so many years.
 I flew down to Texas to be with him for the weekend of our anniversary. I was only there a couple of days, but it was wonderful and so needed. We have never been a part for any length of time so not being together for two months was really hard and we knew that if we didn't break up the 12 weeks it would be nearly unbearable.
So we went shopping, explored the city, stayed in, and ate out ... a lot. Jon has been watching what he eats to make sure that he meets the height /weight requirement and I have been cooking for children for the last two months so we decided to really give our palates a treat. You can get some great Mexican food in Texas folks. We stayed in a beautiful hotel called the Westin in the picturesque River Walk area. This was our first night out...after we finally made it out of our hotel room ;) and we were so lucky to stumble into this great Mexican restaurant. The virgin Pina Colota I had still makes my mouth water. The restaurant was complete with a mariache band.

 After dinner we walked around down town and just enjoyed the warm night and the activity of people and river boats, live music on the streets, the little shops selling all sorts of touristy goods, and there was even a big fountain that squirted water up in random intervals where kidswere playing even though it was past 10pm.  The next day we went to brunch  at a Brazilian place and it too was just sooo yummy. We had the whole restaurant to ourselves so I took out the lap top and showed Jon pictures and videos from all of our summer adventures up to that point. He got a little teary seeing pictures from Danali's first birthday and Caden's 7th. It was hard on him knowing how much he was missing with his family. 

Jon was getting ready to go out into the field for three weeks and he had to get all his stuff ready to be loaded on the transport truck. When we went back to visit his barracks I found all his stuff laid out on his bed so I helped myself to the items that interested me. Can I tell you that the Kevlar helmet weighs a TON. I can't believe that they don't give soldiers headaches. 

I did however find the many pockets and water canteen quite useful. 

On the night of our anniversary we had dinner a beautiful restaurant that looks something like the Space Needle (which is where Jon purposed to me) only taller.

 ooo...and I had the most amazing crab dish and a lobster bisque that was to die for.

We got there in time to watch an amazing sunset. It was so romantic to just snuggle up to my love and watch the horizon as it lit up with reds and oranges then fade into the beautiful deep blue of night. 

It definitely was an anniversary dinner we will remember.

He also took me a movie at the most unique movie theater I have ever been to. You sit down and have a menu where you can order not only popcorn and nachos, but all kinds of diner type things. The waiter comes around during the movie to refill your drink or take orders. We stuck to popcorn and lemonade but knowing that I could have a Caesar Salad if my heart desired was kind of cool.

One of the things I have missed most about Jon is the little moments we share while we are getting ready for bed at night. I wash off my makeup, we take out our contacts, and brush our teeth, throw on a comfy pair of jammies, and snuggle in bed together all the while talking over our day, sharing the funny things the kids did or said, we talk about plans for the day ahead and basically just connect with one another.When I am aching for my Jon, this is what my heart longs for. Him, all tousled and simple and ready for bed.  So I will say, good night my sweet. Only 3 1/2 weeks until we will be snuggled up together laughing about Danali following the dog around saying, "no no no no no doggie" and talking about needing to go to the bank and the post office. I can't wait.