Busy, Busy.

Some days seem busier than others and today was one of those days - we ate lunch with Brenda and Marissa {friends of the family since I was young} and afterwards picked up Amanda so that she could come over and swim with us. We all had a great time.... even Noah! He loves his little crab float, which makes me even more excited to go to White Water Bay on Friday with the Stanley's. Afterwards, we called Grandma Haze on Skype to wish her a Happy Birthday {Happy Birthday!} and Grami came by for a visit too. I also finally finished up a couple of gifts for the "other" Smith boys - I wanted to send Greg and Tamieka's newest additions to their family a "Welcome to the Family" gift, and thought these would be perfect {I had to make one for Christian too!}:

A Mickey Mouse blanket for Isaiah and aprons for Mommy's Sous Chefs, Christian and Joshua!

And, now that I've finished these projects, I can read Eclipse! ;)

Going Away

Tonight, Katy and Landon hosted a Going Away Party for Ben, Noah and I at their home {thanks again guys!}. It was so great to spend a little more time with our other military friends, before we leave tomorrow morning. It's a little surreal to think that we won't see most of them for at least several months, if not longer. Though, I did make several of them promise to stop by in Texas during their upcoming moves.

My little Grant-y. I'm going to miss that boy!

Matt presenting Ben with an official going away gift: Coke reward points {Ben's favorite}.

Greg and Noah - what a great picture!

{Usually I get a funny face from one of them.}

Katy, Grant, and Landon - we'll miss you guys!

Matt, Kristin, and Noah - doesn't Noah look like he is scared of Matt? {hehe}

The Boys. Both of the boys decided that they needed to hold a part of Noah - they are so crazy.

Angie, Noah, and Me.

I'm already ready for October {or November}.

Getting Prepared.

This afternoon, we ate lunch at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles with Greg, Tamieka, and Christian - it was so tasty and great to just spend time with them.

Me and the Little Man. I just love his cheesy grin!

Noah and Greg - he couldn't wait to take him out of the highchair!
Tamieka and Noah - she was practicing with Noah for the new little baby they'll be adopting on Tuesday! :)

***

We spent a majority of the rest of the day today getting everything together for the drive. And the evening was spent with Angie and Greg: eating dinner, playing Euchre, and laughing at the boy's silly antics (especially once they had a few drinks).

Some of our boxes that are sitting in their kitchen... we didn't want the mover's to take them so we are storing them at their house until we get the U-haul.

Angie and Noah playing peek-a-boo.

He loves Angie!

***

And a VERY Happy Birthday to BB!! We love you sister!!

Noah's New Sounds

Noah just started making these new noises yesterday and every time he does, Ben and I just crack up!

***

Of all of the world's desserts, Tamieka's Lemon Cake ranks high on both of our favorites list. And look what Greg brought over for us tonight as a going away gift...

Thank you, Tamieka!! (And Greg, for bringing it over!)

Yummy!

Tamieka, Christian, Noah and I went for lunch today at Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n Waffles...

I won't lie, at first I was a little skeptical {chicken and waffles together?}, but very excited. Here's my meal before (I got the #13 and you can't see my corn bread):

And after!!
It was SO good and I'm already looking forward to going again!!

***

After we got back home from lunch, Noah and I had some play time before I got back to work on Angie's quilt.

I love it when he laughs and smiles at me!

Ben had to get in on the playtime too before Noah went to bed....

Blessed Beyond Measure.

Sometimes I just marvel at the ways that God has truly blessed Ben and I. He's blessed us with amazing family. With a strong marriage (based on Him). With Noah. And, with friends beyond measure. Tonight, Noah and I spent time with some of these friends: the Other Smiths - Greg, Tameika and Christian. I say "Other" because they're not quite just friends, but also family (I mean, they are Smiths too).

And the pictures say it all.