I'm going to start by bidding 2013 farewell and post the Christmas letter that didn't quite make our cards this year...
Hafa Adai!
("Hello" in Chomorro.
Pronounced 'half a day'. Used everywhere we go, like "Aloha"
in Hawaii).
2013 has been our most adventurous in a while! Not only do
we have two amazing girls that keep us busy, whether challenging or
entertaining, we made a big move!
January brought another deployment for Shaye. While he took care of us all from Kuwait, the
girls and I entertained ourselves with friends in Texas and two months at home
with family. If I can't have my husband
around, the next best thing is my Momma!
South Dakota blessed us with their two biggest snow storms of the season
in April and May and the girls LOVED playing in it.
Girls staying out of movers way.
Packing the crates to travel the Pacific.
Ready to fly!
In March, Shaye called with the news that we would be moving to Guam come September. Excitement, fear, and an overwhelming "to do" list came to mind. With him deployed, I was terrified of getting everything ready without him. Luckily, a good surprise, with him returning early came in June. After placing our first home on the market, we packed up and headed North (South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana) for some family time for the month of July. The 4th is our favorite time of the year in the Black Hills. We love the weather, the lake, and all the family that surfaces for the holiday. August brought the sale of our home and September we hopped two planes for the long 23 hour commute to Guam (The girls were AMAZING).
My VERY tired travelers.
Exploring.
Speaking of those girls...
So many treasures on Guam.
She is a fish!
Madelyn started Preschool this year and enjoys every
minute. While she is only there a couple
hours a day, it is definitely good for her, being the social butterfly she
is. As her personality continues to
emerge, I am confident she will be a performer. Constant "shows"
happen here with her and the neighbors.
Before Christmas Maddy came home beyond herself over getting to sing on a stage
for their upcoming Christmas program.
Days later, tears readily flowed when she was not chosen as the child to
sing in a microphone. This is only one example of that performer personality and stage presence we live with. Whether happy or
sad, she is so passionate about life and that I love. I think Shaye is finally starting to see what
life with a bunch of woman may bring!
Madelyn has found a passion for snorkeling and is great in the
water. She is also excitedly taking on
basketball and ballet this winter.
What happens when you make faces to get the two year old to smile.
Just some of her silliness.
Pretty just like mommy.
Delaney is a very humorous two year old. Between the antics of potty training (mastered my friends!) and
learning all about life, I find myself chuckling if not rolling on the floor
daily. She works very hard to keep
up with the 'big girls' every day. Actually had a nightmare about them leaving
her a couple weeks ago! Some of our favorite Laneyisms is her love of "peanut jelly butter" and turning everything "upside over". Two is so fun!
Daisy, our sweet first born... If you hadn't heard, my wonderful parents took her in and she now calls SD home. As hard as it was to say good-bye to her, we just couldn't put her on a 24 hour plane ride at her age. If you know her, she is kind of a chicken. I was so afraid something would happen to her en route. My mom may tell you differently, but it seems as though they have all settled in together. I know it is not exactly a dog of their choosing but we will be forever grateful that she is 'home.'
Time passes on Guam and some days slower than others. We have met a lot of great people, are super fortunate to have amazing neighbors (that even tolerate a toddler trying her potty skills in the yard - yikes!), and generally love living here. Our only complaint is when we miss those we love. Somehow that 2 day drive from Texas doesn't seem so far...
Tarague - the beach on AAFB (all three)
Shaye is working very hard in Guam. Adjusting to his new role at work and taking on whatever comes his way, including A LOT of volunteering and committees. I am happy to stay at home for now and truck kids to and fro as needed. I'm working on bettering myself as a cook and have had some tasty results! I do have a lead on a job, but am not sure where that will end so am waiting to see how it develops for now. We stay very busy on the weekends with beaches, exploring, hikes, and just being outdoors. Guam has slowed us down as a family - we spend more time together, eat at home more often, and are definitely enjoying all that vitamin D!
Our little Airmen :)
Love to you all,
Jody, Shaye, Madelyn, and Delaney
