Update of Ian's Visit with PICTURES!!!

I bet y'all thought I would forget to post a few pictures of Ian's visit, huh? Rightfully so, especially with my track record of posting and sending pictures to everyone. Well here they are! Emma had such a great time with her Daddy was was so enthralled by his presence! They decorated a pumpkin and went for rides in Daddy's Jeep, which she absolutely loves! She was so surprised that he was here and if she felt anything like me, she thought it was just a dream. It's so funny how for three years we all took for granted him being home every night and never missing a holiday! How life has changed for us here! Now everyday that we spend together is special and taking that time for granted is just not an option. This change has strengthened our relationships and even though it is really hard at times, I am still thankful. I know that God has a plan. Here are the pictures. Enjoy! All our love!

So focused! 

The final cut!

Finished!

They make such a GREAT team!

The scary pumpkin.

Putting it by the front door. (And yes, she is wearing a dress! Princesses do everything in a dress! Lol)

I am thinking that we don't have to worry about it rotting here in Alaska, like we did in Louisiana?! I think it it too cold here for that to happen. I hope Moose do not like to eat Pumpkins!

FIRST SNOW!

     The snow is on the ground, but no sleigh bells just yet. The weather is quite crisp and cold and has been ready for a little dust. Me, not so much. The idea of snow for me is debilitating and kind of makes me feel a bit more "stuck" than normal (at least until I have the studded tires put on the Yukon this week). I have never driven in this type of weather, so I am a bit nervous of the ice and such. Now all of that being said, I will suck it up and will practice my snow driving skills in a parking lot until I feel more comfortable so that this does not become me only going somewhere when Ian is home and can drive. I think we all know that my personality is a bit more independent and will not stand for that! Hahaha.
     Emma is getting ready for the snow and is actually getting quite aggravated with Mother Nature and her decision to let it snow, but not stick to the ground. She was twirling around last night with her mouth open just letting the snow "sporadically" fall into her mouth with nothing but sheer excitement! I can see a talk in the near future about steering clear of yellow and brown spots in the snow! I have a few pics of the snow fall, but they are not very good since they were taken in the morning when it was still dark outside. (Insert time pictures were taken here: 8:30 am) The sun is rising later and later each day. It feels very strange getting out of bed and it being dark for about two more hours than you are used to. The sun is setting around 5-5:30 pm each night which hasn't bothered me too much, but I know when it sets at 3 in the afternoon, I am going to have issues and will most likely have every light in the house on! I can't wait to see those electric bills!
     Well here are the pictures. Enjoy! We miss everyone and hope your holiday season is starting out with TONS of happiness and blessings! All our love from WAY up here, in Alaska!

Murphy did NOT know what to think of this!

The snowflakes were actually B-I-G!

The sun was finally rising here and you can see the snow dusting on the mountain.

The middle of the mountain. This is the first time the dusting has come down this far.

The whole mountain view. (Well, almost. There was fog in addition to the snow that am)

Murphy looking at me wondering what I am doing and what that "stuff" is falling from the sky! Haha!

A weekend with Daddy!

After 39 days of being away, Daddy was able to come home for a visit. Emma had no idea that he was coming, simply because Ian and I weren't even sure if he was going to be able to make the trip. So this morning we went to pick her up at school and she was playing on the playground and then she spotted him. Excitement and confusion filled her face and then she belted out a loud scream, "DADDY!!" She immediately ran over to him and jumped into his arms! It was such a sweet sight to see! She misses him so much and is still having a hard time understanding why he is never home, but for this weekend...she can put those worries and thoughts out of her little mind and just enjoy his presence. This weekend is all about having some family time. Pics to follow of course!

We aren't in Louisiana anymore!

Welcome to Seward, Alaska!

We aren't in Louisiana anymore!

Unlocking the door to our new home for the first time!

Emma was SO excited to go inside our new home to see her new room!

Our wonderful landlords make us a "Welcome to Alaska" gift!

He finally got his pat on the back and cookie!

Well... after a L~O~N~G trip across the U.S, we have finally made it to Alaska and are pretty much settled into our new life for the next two years. To say this transition has been different would be a huge understatement, but so far we are adjusting to the various differences that Alaska presents. Because we are from the east coast, the "summer" in Alaska is a little different from what we are accustom too! 54 degrees and lots of rain is not the norm for us, but I will say that after watching the weather and seeing what the south is experiencing with the 100 degree heat waves... I will gladly take the cold and the rain.

Our trip getting here was great. We got to visit a lot of friends and family, but best of all, we were able to visit some places that we have always wanted to see. San Fransisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle were a ton of fun and we wish we had more time in each of those places. Our drive on the ALCAN highway was NOT fun for me. Let me repeat that statement.... NOT FUN! I did not like the lack of asphalt and abundance of pot holes that the road gave us and especially did not care for our sleeping accommodations in Tok. Insert, yuck here! Poor Ian felt so bad because all I was being a diva about the room, but you know what...I would take camping without a tent over that room! Anyway, on to what matters the most- a much deserved recognition to my husband who drove the ENTIRE trip. We made a deal that IF he did it, at our final destination I would give him a pat on the back and a cookie. I will provide a pic of the ceremonious event. And in my defense, on the record, HE MADE THE CHOICE TO DRIVE THE WHOLE WAY!!! :~)

Well there is a ton of information about our trip that I am sure that I have forgotten to share or just simply didn't feel like typing so on with the pictures.

Love to everyone! We miss you all tons and are ready for visitors! Don't all jump at the offer all at once now! (Yes, I was being sarcastic)

Love,

Danielle

Our journey has begun!!

Our Last Family Photo in Morgan City, Louisiana

~Front Street~

(The Mr. Charlie oil rig in the background!)

Well, we have said goodbye to Morgan City, Louisiana and started our journey to Alaska. Nine places to visit, families and friends to see, and memories to make have officially begun. First stop, Pine Mountain, Georgia to visit Ian's Aunt Rhoda and friend Rose, and now we are on our second stop visiting my Mom in Oliver, Georgia. We have been here 2 days and are having a blast seeing Emma spend quality time with her Nanny and Papa. Being a Coast Guard family is such an opportunity and allows us to see interesting places and meet people we would have never had the chance to experience; but at the same time, it creates a distance and void between us and our immediate family. We miss out on the little conveniences that we often take for granted, such as dropping Emma off at Nanny's house for the weekend and/or the various holidays that many of us make special traditions an every year event. So this time with our family is a treat and is so special to us. This is the time that we are able to make memories with the people that we are often so far away from. As we make these memories, we will be posting updates as well as pictures so you too can enjoy this journey we are taking. I hope you enjoy the memories that we will share and will keep them to remember us by. Thank you for following us on our journey to the next step in our lives.

We love you all!

Ian, Danielle, Emma, & Murphy

Transfer time!

Well.... the time has finally arrived, it's transfer season. We have waited patiently for the news that would determine the next two years of our family's life and it's finally here. We are moving to Seward Alaska. We are adjusting to the news slowly and each day we find ourselves getting a little more excited. The only apprehensions we are having right now is the distance we will be from our family and friends, but we know that God has a plan and we are placing our faith in Him. He is preparing the way for us and we know that He already has certain people picked out to come into our lives once we arrive. Right now our plan is to drive to Alaska instead of flying. We want to visit family and friends and see some places that we wouldn't have had the opportunity to see otherwise. Our current report date is July 1st, give or take 30 days before or after. We are thinking that our last month in Morgan City will be May, and that we will use the whole month of June to travel, but this is not official just yet. We will keep everyone posted on our plans as the time gets closer.

Our time here in Morgan City has been so unforgettable. We grew so much as a family here. We became closer to God and realized our need for Him in our lives. We are thankful for the people that He placed in our lives here. Each person and relationship has been such a blessing and we know that we made lifelong friends here. We can honestly say that it will be a sad day when we leave. We love you all!

Halloween Spirit 2009

So in the spirit of Halloween, I bought these wonderful "fronts" or as some would call, "grills." We took these pictures the other night and Emma could barley get them in her mouth because they were so big! BUT, she wanted to be like Daddy! Of course he was the first to put them in and pose for the pictures, as I was and always am the more hesitant one to pose for such discriminating pictures. The one of Emma will definitely make it to her wedding slide show one day! I am sure she will hate me for it, but she will just have to forgive me! Besides, at that point she will have already said "I do" and the man she married will already be locked in to our twisted family with no where to run! :~) I will post more pictures later today when Emma gets dressed up as a cowgirl for Halloween. And who truly knows what Ian will come up with for a costume, so stay tuned! Love, Us!