A few randoms...

A trip to the batting cage! Derek showed me his skill!

Emma dancing on the counter...that girl is crazy!!

Some shots of Bella.....

In the laundry...

Eating handfuls of popcorn (thinking of Swankle)

Daddy likes to wrap her up...

De-stuffing a new toy...

Kill that toy Bella...

Yummy enchiladas for dinner one night!

Home Sweet Home....almost!

As I said before, Derek and I are in the process of buying our first home! We are closing this Monday, the 15th!!! We couldn't be more pleased with what we found and the family we're buying from. They are so sweet and are going out of their way to make this whole process smooth and enjoyable. I only have a few photos from the listing site, but no worries, there will be more to come once we move in!!

Trip to Charlotte

So, back in October, Derek and I decided to take a semi-impromptu trip down to Charlotte, not only to see his parents, but also to go a Panthers game. We had a great time with his family and an awesome time tailgaiting. Although it rained, there was still yummy food, great people, and some cornhole thrown in there for good measure. The game was a good one (we had great seats) but unfortunately, the Panthers lost. I did, however, get to see Ochocinco "up close" and personal!

Derek's time on the ship

Derek has been spending lots of time on the ship, working hard. He is becoming much more comfortable with his job and is making some good buddies. He has taken some trips on the ship, which is called "going underway", one of which took up almost the whole month of October. Not that I like having him gone, but I think it's a good way to build up to the looming 6 month deployment that will happen in January. Derek is currently putting in his 90 days of FSA (food service attendant) that the majority of enlisted guys have to do. Here are a few photos that I am allowed to post of where Derek has been spending much of his time, the USS Leyte Gulf.

It's been awhile (this one's for you Alicia!)

So it's obviously been way too long since I've updated!! Life has been so busy! Here's a brief list of what's been going on since September:

* Derek has taken a few trips out on the ship
* I have continued teaching 5th grade and also started tutoring after school
* We made a trip to Charlotte for a Panthers game
* I got to visit the ship two times! (very educational and eye-opening)
* I have started acting as Vice President for the ship's Family Readiness Group (FRG)
* My mom and sister have booked tickets to come out for Christmas
* Derek and I (mostly me, because he was gone) have started, worked through, and are getting ready to finish the home buying process!!

So, I will split up the next few posts by topic so that the photos are organized in some way, shape, or form.

We sure do miss all our friends and family and can't wait to get moved in to our new house so that everyone can come visit with us! We will have plenty of room!