Friends

We do have some of the best friends here in Altus! They are the kind of friends that you don’t care if they come over and you are still in your P.J.’s and your house is a disaster. Because they are just that kind of friend. Anyway, today Natalie had Isabella’s goodbye Binky party. We headed out to a field (so our balloons wouldn’t get sucked into a plane) and helped Isabella say goodbye. Mostly the girls wanted to play chase! Go figure?  Then everyone headed back for some fun and we were joined by Eva and Violet. I forgot to take pictures of that excitement.

Chase!

Madeline giving Isabella an encouraging hug!

Isabella isn’t too sure about this!

Isabella, we know you will do great as a BIG GIRL!

Fini Flight

Yesterday Nick had his Fini flight in the KC-135. Let’s just say the day did not disappoint and was very action packed. Only Nick could have such a nutty last flight.  Here is how it was supposed to go…. Nick was supposed to be flying to Wright-Patterson AFB to pick up passengers.  This would give him time to run in the terminal and say hi to his family. They were all going to come out to see him on his last flight.  Well, this is how it really happened… on their way to Wright-Patterson the jet caught on FIRE! Yes, FIRE! Nick said it wasn’t that bad and didn’t even tell me about it until I heard from another guy! He said he didn’t want me to worry. Anyway, they had to quickly return to Altus. Another plane ended up doing the flight and Nick had to call his family and cancel. Nick’s crew ended up doing a different mission. The only bonus thing was he did land earlier at Altus for the big spray down. The tradition is to spray and dump ice water on the pilot to celebrate their final flight. Nick will not be flying on his next assignment. It is a staff job so this will be it for flying for awhile. I can’t imagine Nick not flying and having a normal schedule with no early morning flights or night flights. I made little chocolate airplane suckers to pass out and Madeline was very excited to ride the bus out to the plane.  They even let her pretend to marshal the plane into it’s spot. She is still talking about Nick getting sprayed. She thought it was CRAZY. Her eyes were huge the entire time!

Isabella and Madeline riding the bus out to the flight line.

Nick plane taxing in.

Madeline getting her marshalling gear on. She was very concerned about the headphones falling off.

Nick getting sprayed!

Madeline showing Daddy her gear.

Here is the family in front of Nick’s plane!

Isn’t he handsome!!!

Isabella, Ben, Nick, and Madeline Grace

Daddy daughter shot!

It was just a wee bit windy out there! 

Madeline with the suckers we were passing out. Sorry Ohio people, we had sent some for you!

What a afternoon. Thank you Shaub’s for making it sooo special. What in the world will we do without you guys? Thanks for taking such great pictures Natalie!!!!

Park Time

The weather was just too beautiful this morning to not enjoy some time at our favorite park.

Then during naptime today Nick I got more boxes out of the attic so we could start packing up the speakers and sewing machines. I guess we really are moving.

Violet’s First Birthday

Yesterday we were honored to be able to celebrate Violet’s first birthday. I can’t believe how fast this year has gone. She is by far the HAPPIEST baby I have ever known. She smiles all the time. She is Eva’s little sister and I can only imagine the trouble they will get into when they are older. Here are some pictures of the party. (Which was a great excuse to get the big girls together, the mom’s, and the dad’s! (Nick was doing a night flight so no party for him!)

Here is Madeline headed into the party.

Eva and Madeline going for a ride.  Doesn’t that look like fun?

Eva, Madeline, and Jane getting ready for singing and cake!

Here is the birthday girl! Yummy icing!!!

Thanks for inviting us to the super fun party! We sure are going to miss you guys!

O’Fallon House

The builder has started making some of our requested changes on our house. It is so exciting to see the progress and crazy to imagine that we will be there in 1 month! I have been trying to finish up some sewing projects so I can pack up the machines. It sure would help if Nick and I could agree on a baby name so “hotdog” would have some treats.  Here are the pictures of the house.

Closing off the loft to make an office/craft room. Madeline’s room is the door on the right.

The view down the hall from Madeline’s room. That is the guest room at the end of the hall. And Hotdog’s room to the left of the guest room.

Expanding the basement bathroom to add a shower.

Where the new shower will go and hopefully some walls. :)

A big thank you to Bob LaRue the best realtor in the world for checking on things and sending me updated pictures!

Yee Haw Rodeo

It is Rodeo time in Altus. This has to be one of our favorite Altus things. Grandpa Ross & Grandma Jenna even came for the fun (and to pick up our garage sale items).

Here is Grandpa & Madeline all ready for the Rodeo.

Grandma Jenna joined the fun. (I think I might have learned where I get my love of theme dressing.)

Food always makes events more fun.

There was lots of card playing, play dough smooshing, Madeline chasing, and bubble blowing. We even got to watch a fabulous parade with lots of candy.

I forgot the camera at home!

 

One last Altus Grandpa and Grandma Searl Photo.

Hope our bellhop was gentle to your luggage.

Thanks for hauling our “valuables” back for the garage sale.

Last Day in OKC

For our last day in Oklahoma City Madeline and enjoyed Chick-fil-a and a nice long play in the play land. She even made a new friend.