Naval Academy 5 Year Reunion

It was really exciting to get together with a lot of Paul's friends from college for their 5 year reunion.  We both can't believe that 5 years have passed since we both graduated college, but it has been a really great 5 years.  Landon and Elle both have blessed our lives in so many ways and it was really fun bringing them back to Annapolis where we grew up. 

We were honored to sit in the Superintendent's box to watch the parade.  It gave me chills to watch...it felt like yesterday that Paul was walking in those parades.

We joined Paul's best friend and roommate from college Steve, and his expecting wife Kristin.  Along with another buddy of theirs, Matt Hezel.  Mom and Lee joined us as well!

The man in uniform on the far right is the Commandant of the Marine Core.  This guy is a big deal!

We were really excited to see Travis at the parade.  Travis was Paul's previous 'boss'/Eng on his submarine and a good friend of ours.  And now Travis is an assistant to the Superintendent at the Naval Academy...that's how we got hooked up with those seats at the parade.  :)

Me and my Momma with my babe.

Our fam in front of the parade marching out.

Papa and Paul chatting while Landon is looking a bit sleepy. :)

The next day we went to the Navy vs. Airforce game!  These are a few classmates from Paul's company: Mike, John, Grant, and Gwen.  They are all doing very well in their Navy careers.

These guys back together again...Paul, Hayes and Jared.  Like life back in Ulmstead.

Katie and her sister Kelly.  These gals are the best!!

Geoff, his brother Pete and Trish!  So excited for the newly engaged couple!

And Paul and I...had to get one of the two of us.  :)

Huddle after half time.

Geoff representing in the Navy Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Group shot!

Paul and I being goofy...what's new?...well, me being goofy and Paul smiling.

Navy didn't pull out the win, but it was a great comeback and a great second half!  And we all had a lot of fun.  GO NAVY!

Aunt Lonnie and Uncle Dave

While in Maryland, we were able to get some lunch with Lauren and Dave!  And I was so excited that all four of us could get together!  Dave was so sweet with Elle.  Aunt Lonnie is always the best with the kiddos and we had a lot of fun together! 

I love this picture of Uncle Dave and Elle.  Elle was very excited that he was giving her some special attention.

I know this is a bit blurry, but I had to put this one up...they are both laughing so hard!  :)

Aunt Lonnie helping Landon down the stairs.

Hanging out with his God-Momma.

This was the best part!  Landon loves when we swing him!  Look at the smile on his face!

Wooohoooo!  He's such a big boy!

Aunt Lonnie got Landon this adorable bow tie that has the Navy emblem on it...too cute.

And she got Elle this adorable hair bow!

Looks fitting doesn't it!  :)  

We had a great little visit with Aunt Lonnie and Uncle Dave!

The Pumpkin Patch

While we were in Maryland, we visited a pumpkin patch with our family!  We were so excited to get Landon to a pumpkin patch, especially with his cousin Madeline!  They are so cute and we cannot wait for them to be able to play frequently together and become good buddies!  And of course we can't forget the 2 babes in the family...Charlie and Elle!  It's always so much fun when we can get the cousins together! 

Madeline and Landon getting ready to go pick some pumpkins!

Landon was trying to pick up as many pumpkins as he could.

He has a new found love for pumpkins these days haha.

Uncle Ryan loving on his God Daughter.

Charlie joined these 2 in the wagon!  He's getting so big!

Love family!  We were standing in front of a giant spider made out of hay..pretty neat!  Landon says, "Yucky Spider"...guess he learned that from me haha.

Charlie is so handsome! Can't believe he is walking..and so well!

Madeline was mooing and Landon wasn't too happy about having to milk the cow hahahah!

Looking at the baby cow.  He went pee-pee when we were near his cage and both the kids pointed and made it very clear that we all knew the cow was going potty.  :)

Landon loved the baby pig. 

Elle enjoyed playing in the corn kernel "sand" box. 

All of the kids enjoying the corn kernel box. 

Mom and Lee posing with the two youngest grandchildren.

Madeline gave Landon a hug and Landon wasn't too excited about it haha!

He let her hug him, but he was very determined to let us know he was just doing it for the picture.  He actually said girls have cooties in the car later that day...where in the world did he learn that!? 

Shelby and Lee with their two beautiful babes! 

Look at this cowboy and cowgirl! 

Two of Landon's latest favorite things: horses and tractors.

Checking out a pumpkin in the mud.

Mom snuggling with Elle and keeping her warm.

The cutest little lady ever!

Love these 2 kiddos.   

Steve and Kristen met us there and enjoyed the morning with us!  Steve was Paul's roommate from the Naval Academy and is still one of his best friends.  And...they are expecting their first baby this Leap Year!

Steve and Paul enjoying a nice Sunday morning together.  Perfect way to end the blog post hahahah! 

 

Celebrations

We just had an amazing fall trip to Maryland and were able to celebrate the engagements of both Paul's brother and sister! Geoff proposed to Tricia a few weeks ago and Hayes proposed to Katie! We are very happy for both couples and are excited for their futures!

Love this picture of the 4 of them.  From the left: Geoff, Trish, Hayes and Katie.

We got all of the future wives, mom's and sister's together for a pic!

Trish, Katie, Kelly and I...sisters and sisters to be!

Family!

Ok, so I know this is cheesy, BUT when we took this picture I just couldn't help but think of the movie, 'The Mighty Ducks' and the flying V.  Paul and I were the top of the V with the "grand total" of 5 years marriage experience (haha) and the 2 newly engaged couples flocking our sides preparing for marriage.  I know, silly...but I am just being honest.  :) 

And finally, the 2 lovely couples.  Perfect matches.  Happy beginnings. 

Stay posted for many, MANY more blog posts to come from our awesome visit to Maryland!