Tuesday, May 31, 2011

You Can!

That's right folks! Benj finally got his golden opportunity to join the National Guard. An officer position opened up and we snatched it! As of nowBenj is SPC Benjy Russell. Once he's done with training, he will be a Communications Officer with the 145th Field Artillery Unit. He does basic training starting July 5 for 10 weeks at Fort Benning in Georgia. It's gonna be loads of fun! Not only is he training in the humidity and heat but this is known as the toughest place to do training! Benj is tough too though, so he can do it! Luckily, he also secured a slot doing state-side training for OCS (Officer Candidate School). So instead of heading straight from Basic to another location for 18 weeks, he'll be home! Yay! He'll do that training 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks a year until he completes it, which is about 16-18 months. Then, he'll be doing his actual training for his job for 18 weeks out of state.


Here's Benj swearing in. That was loads of fun. The kids must've known what we were getting into because they were all throwing tantrums and crying. Good times!


This is Benj's "army" face. You fear him, don't you?


And, here's a smile; such a trooper for humoring me! We realize this will be a challenge for the whole family but we know that this is right for us and with the Lord's help, we can do anything! Or, as the National Guard puts it, You Can!


Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Family Pics

Our neighbors had the great idea of doing their own family pictures after church on Easter Sunday. So they were gracious enough to take our family pictures as well. We couldn't resist doing some of the kids together!


From left to right: Kameron, William, Kenner


Gabby, Jasmine, Lydia


I love the GQ pose Will's sporting!




This is just perfect for Gabby! She is my sunshine!




Lydia's not sitting up yet but it still turned out so adorable!



And...the whole gang! I'm sure grateful for my family! I never thought that I could be so incredibly happy! I feel so blessed!


Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Easter

We did well this Easter season! We started off by doing the Zabriskie Easter Egg Hunt


Mom gave all the kids a basket with their name on it. Apparently it works as a hat as well!








Even the adults get an Easter Egg Hunt. We get money instead of candy, though. As you can see, we don't mind that!



Will and Gabby both did very well in collecting candy!





The big pile to be divided out!






The kids even got an egg with money in it. The Banker (otherwise known as my dad) redeemed the pieces of paper in the egg that told them how much they get. Lydia was the big winner. She got the big $10!



Easter morning, Will and Gabby looked for the Easter Baskets the Easter Bunny hid. Will got a big 4-wheeler in his with candy and Gabby got a princess jewelry set. We also gave them each an Easter outfit. Pictures to follow in a future post.



That night we had the Easter Egg Hunt at Benj's parent's.






Will came out like a bandit this year!






Gabby was loving it!





Happy Easter to everyone!




Benj's parents spoiled us with a variety of different foods from Sam's Club!



Hope you all had a good Easter!