Happy Halloween!!!

We're a couple of days late, of course...But HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Here's our little soccer player.

Max had/has a glazed over look, so I told him to smile...that was his smile.

(Neils tried to do his hair, but Max insisted on doing it himself)

He didn't particularly care about his costume, but he LOVED all of the treats he received in his little pumpkin bag.

Spoiled for a week!!

Two weeks ago we spent a week in Arizona. It was wonderful seeing family and friends again!! One week really wasn't enough. Max had a blast. Unfortunately, with all of the fun and excitement of the week, he never napped or slept well at night. By the end of the week, he was beyond exhausted. But it was so worth it!

He laughed and smiled the whole time.

He was showered with love and attention by his Aunts and Grandparents.

He must have been kissed a million times in that week alone. :)

He was taken to the park almost everyday.

He loved the play area inside McDonald's.

And like all the other grandkids, Max LOVED playing in Pops' amazing front yard.

He also had a blast washing the car with Grannie and Pops.

We had an Awesome week and would like to thank everyone who helped make it so great!! We can't wait to visit for the holidays.

We've been busy...

Here are a few of the things we've been up to lately:

We listened to music.

Sang songs.

Cooked dinner.

Baked cookies.

My favorite!! We gave ourselves make-overs. (Facial above, hair below)

And we've spent more time than ever with our favoritest Dad and husband.

Our New Life in Seaside

I'm sorry this post is a little late. I have very good reasons (other than being a horrible blogger) for procrastinating. First of all, we got internet not too long ago. Secondly, unpacking and settling in has taken longer than I thought it would. Lastly and most importantly, I'm pregnant and of course, super sick AGAIN. I was hoping this time things would be a little easier, but they're not. Neils has been an amazing help and so understand. Max has learned patience and to my horror, to "throw up" in bowls, trash cans and the toilet. Neils thinks it's so funny that he bends over and makes the throwing up sound. I feel terrible! Hopefully, we will BOTH be done with it very soon. :)

Anyway...

We are living in a small, retired military town called Seaside, which is located right next to Monterey. We live in a small 2 bedroom house that's located 2 houses away from a little playground and 10 minutes away from the beach. The size of the house is perfect for our little family. Everyone in the neighborhood and ward are super friendly and welcoming. Max is loving our frequent visits to the beach and the park. It's been around 70 degrees ever since we've been here, so we actually go out with pants and sometimes sweaters (we even use the heater at nights).

Max loves the sand

Even when there is no sand, he is just as happy playing with the dirt in front of our house :)

Neils is loving learning a new language. Arabic is different and hard, but he's enjoying the challenge. During his "pre-school" training, he had to learn self-defense and fighting techniques, which he loved! On friday, he came home so excited because there was one opening left to be certified to teach it and because he asked, he got it. He wasn't as qualified as others, but because they got a chance to sign up and didn't and Neils showed interest, his sergeant gave the spot to him. So for the next two months, he is going to have this combative certification training 3 times a week at 5 am. He is really looking forward to it.

Monterey is beautiful and we are enjoying exploring a new part of California. We, of course, miss our family and friends, but hope to be able to visit soon.

Neils' Graduation

This week Neils graduated from Basic Training. After ten weeks of one 20 minute phone call each sunday and only letters, I was able to attend his graduation and spend some much needed time with him. Out of the 200 soldiers in his "company", he won the Battalion Commander's Inspection Award. It just basically means that he excelled in every area and is an example of a great soldier.  

As much as Neils enjoyed boot camp, he is ready to get going with his training and be back with his family. He arrived in Monterey, California late friday night and found out he will be learning Arabic. We still don't know for sure when Max and I will join him, but we are guessing 3-4 weeks. It is still hard for me to imagine being without my wonderful family and friends close by, but I try not to think about it too much. 

Neils in formation

Neils with his good friends Coffie and Tew

Neils with his bunk mates

With the weather warming up and Max still wanting to play outside all the time, I've had to come up with different activities that'll keep him cool, happy and of course, outside. 

We washed the car.

Played with the Hose. 

Drank from the Hose. 

And even played in the freezing Swimming Pool.

He is definitely ALL boy. But we wouldn't have it any other way. We love it and him!