After moving out of our apartment in mid-May, we moved into a finished apartment above a family friend's house in Chesapeake, VA. Jonathan had to finish out his school year of Kindergarten and we spent our last month with Christian while staying there. This temporary home became known to us as "The Horse Ranch". Though our time was short there, the kids had all kinds of fun! There were fresh eggs to collect everyday from the chicken coop, doggies to run from, kittens to pet and play with, horses to feed, a trampoline to jump on, and of course, the actual horse ranch to visit!
A quick story from one of our trips to the ranch:
We were in the midst of petting a miniature pony and a few goats, when Jonathan and Naomi ran around the fenced-in pasture and up onto an elevated gazebo that stretched out to the center of the pasture. They found some "treats" for the goats up there and started throwing them into the pasture. Our friend, Kelly, and I were having a conversation and I heard the kids say, "Hey Goats! Do you like your black beans? Here are some yummy black beans!" As Kelly and I walked over to check out these treats, we discovered that instead of feeding them treats, they were actually feeding the goats their own poop! We had a great laugh about that one for quite a while...after they washed their hands, of course! ;-)
Our time at the ranch was a bonding experience for our family of four. It will always be a treasured memory. The Plummer's (family who owned the house) became an extended part of our family for that month. Each of them were very patient with our kids and so kind to allow us to share their home. A fun back story- Mr. Plummer grew up in Christian's Grandfather Hill's church. His parents, who were very active in Gpa Hill's church, also came to visit while we were there. It was fun connecting some dots and meeting people who knew Gpa Hill.
Here are some more random pictures of our fun times at the ranch:
Riding with Mrs. Kelly
Daddy got to relax and read while we bounced on the trampoline...and grow a beard while on leave!
Reading a gun and ammo magazine while waiting for dinner...
Our last week at the ranch was in mid-June. It was jam packed with last minute packing, moving stuff to storage, Jonathan finishing up Kindergarten, AND saying goodbye to Christian. TALK ABOUT AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER!!!
Papaw came to visit and we went golfing after a thunderstorm!
Then we got pizza afterwards!!!
Rock Climbing in the Indoor Gym!
Went to a Tall Ships Festival in Norfolk. I made a pirate bandanna! AARGH!
Had a goodbye dinner with our good friends, the Kellys.
GRADUATED FROM KINDERGARTEN!!! GREAT JOB BUDDY!!!!
Said Goodbye to Daddy as he deployed....broke our hearts, but praying for him everyday!!!
We love you, Christian. Thank you for being willing to go when so few are. You are our hero!
