Zoo trip

Today we went to the zoo... knowing it was going to be a while until we could go again. With school starting, football, soccer, games, etc., we thought it would be fun to make a day trip out of it... well, morning trip. It was HOT!! We ended up spending most of our time at the sprinklers!

Liam, Isabella, Julianne, Morgan, Tristen, Aydin and Jimmie Frank
Looking at the Warthogs...

He saw the babies...Looking at the African loop-

Aydin, Jimmie, Morgan, Tristen. Julianne, and Isabella

by the elephants
Aydin and Isabella

Paper chain

We love Auntie Heather and cousin Taylor!! Like I have said before, if you don’t have an Auntie Heather… you need to find one!! Today we got a fun surprise at the door.

Auntie Heather and Taylor send three boxes, one for each of the kids full of paper chains. These are not your regular chains... these chains are for the kids to put around their rooms as a count down until Steve comes home. All 365 days!! It may not seem like a lot to you… but let me tell you… these chains wrapped around the kids rooms once and then some.

They were SO excited… they had to play with them first before we hung them up.

And then play in the boxes... or in this case... eat breakfast

Kids pics...

Yes yes, I know... it is about time the kids had their pictures taken.

While in Vermont, All the grandkids gto together and had their group picture. After they had the group photo, they took individual family and individual pictures.

I think they are great... even if they werent... anything is better than the 3 month old picture of Liam that has been on my wall :)

Aydin...

Morgan...

Liam...

All of the Blonski cousins..

Aydin and his new iTouch!!

Aydin has been saving his money since he was baptized in February! This kid was able to save over $200 to buy himself his very own iTouch.

Today we went to Best Buy where he purchased his iTouch with gift cards, cash, and change. I love seeing them work towards something they really want and accomplish their goals!

He was SO happy to have it and I am so happy for him.

What an great accomplishment to save so much for something he really wanted at 8 years old. Way to go Aydin!! You are amazing.

More Steve pics...

These first few pics are of Steve in Kuwait, Iraq.

Steve on move out day... That is not snow... it is sand blowing in the 125 degree wind!

Even in Iraq... there is a StarbucksReady to board the bus to the airport...On the plane to KandaharWelcome to Kandahar, Afghanistan
Steve had to spend a little in Kandahar before they were able to move onto Kabul, his final destination. While he was there, he took a few pics...

Kandahar terminalTheir living quarters in KandaharSteve had labeled this picture as, "Happy campers!"Kandahar roads
Steve said,

"You know the Canadian Military is here when there’s a HOCKEY RINK in the armpit of the planet."The USO
He is hoping that this will be his form of transportation when he needs to get around...View from the front door of my building, that is Kabul Peak

Beach day...

Today we meet up with my girlfriend Karlie and her girls under the pier for some beach fun. What a great spot to hang out. We had shade... water around the pier poles... sea life... and more. The kids caught crabs and fish to play with... and make a home for. I am so grateful we live so close to the beach for days like today.

These are not the best quality pics... Steve has my camera and I am still looking for a new one. Until I find a new one, my phone will have to do! I also didnt even get a picture of Aydin today.. bummer!

Morgan and Tristen carrying more fish...

Karlie, her niece, Liam and Tinsley

Liam in his new towel... thanks grandma!!

Im not sure you can see them... put there are 4 fish in there...

Steve's pictures... so far

As everyone knows, Steve is in Afghanistan for the next year.

I have to say, I am so lucky to have him as my husband. He is an amazing father, friend, spouse, and person. I am so grateful for him and all he is willing to do for the kids and I, his career, and his country.

I hope you enjoy the pictures I will be posting of him throughout the next year... documenting his life over there and what he is experiencing (or what he shares with me at least).

Steve- We love and miss you and are so grateful to have you in our lives. Be safe and know we are thinking of you! I am so proud of you for everything you do and for who you are!

This is Steve in South Carolina. He spent three weeks there before leaving the states for training... Although his internet connection was slow, he still was able to send a few pics...

Steve in the Hummer

He is in the third one...Steve and one of his 'buddies'...Packed and ready to go. Its pretty sad that all of his belongings for the next year fits in three small bags. It makes you wonder how much you really need or what is important in life?Once they got to the airport, they were greeted by wonderful people who are there every week to send our troops out to war. They bring food, snacks, books, movies, and love. They have so much respect and appreciation for these troops and show it by giving them a proper send off. I am so grateful for these people who do not even know who Steve or any of these other sailors are and stay with them for a few hours. Thank you great people of Columbia, South Carolina!
After they mingled, they lined up along the runway and shook every individual sailor's hand and thanked them for their service. His first stop was Kuwait, Iraq. He spent a few days on the base there before heading out to Afghanistan. Steve got off the plane and about gasped for air.... at 115 degrees at 9PM. What kind of crazy temperature is that?? He described the air as if he was standing in front of a hot blow dryer all day. With the wind and the heat... it took a few days to get used to it- if that is even possible.

He also told me that no matter how hot it is, he (and no one does) sweat. By the time your body starts to perspire, it evaporates. I cannot even begin to imagine how that would be. For us, it was 100 degrees today but adding 20 more... would kill me!!

So these next few pictures are of his few days in Iraq...
Everyone unload the bags...

Their tent...Inside their tent... their home (for a few days at least).His bed... the bottom- no one lived on topTheir AC units... Steve said it worked so well, he had to sleep with sweats...Even in Iraq, you can find a McDonalds...The Eastern Toilet...

Yes, Steve found it interesting enough to send it so I thought I should post this.

I will post more when they come. He has made it safely to Kabul, Afghanistan where he will spend the rest of the year. When he is able to get internet connection, I will hopefully (cross my fingers) get more pictures. If you're interested in seeing his pictures... keep checking for updates.