Pictures of Our Three E's with USO Books

Erin and Eric were home when the mailman delivered our package from the USO. I knew what it was right away and tried to hold back my tears. Josh told me that before they deployed that the USO offered times to our soldiers to read a book to each of their children, have it recorded and the book and DVD were to be sent after the soldiers deployed.

They were busy looking back and forth between Josh reading the book and the book itself. They turned their pages when daddy turned his pages and it was quite a treat.

After listening to all three books, Erin listened to all three again. By this time, Eric had all the sitting still that he could handle and was off to play.

When Emma came home from school, we surprised her too with daddy reading the books. The video clip in the previous blog really captures her emotions.

They all loved following along and listening to daddy read. It was interesting that Emma wanted to rehear all three stories too. It's so comforting and soothing to listen to Josh's deep voice - what a treasure!

Emma's Reaction to Josh Reading

This is just so sweet. If you can focus on Emma's non-verbal language you can really see the surprise and almost overwhelming feelings she has about Daddy reading to her.

USO - United Through Reading

Here is a video clip of Eric and Erin watching Josh read a book to them. Not only did the USO provide the video of Josh reading they also sent the three books that he read. This has just been wonderful!

Battalion Christmas Party

We had our battalion holiday party yesterday at a place in Manhattan called

Time Out Corner

It is an indoor putt putt and arcade facility that even had an indoor play fort with a slide. It was three hours of fun and craziness. All of the children were happy and running around with red cheeks and having much needed play time with all of the snow that we have had.

Emma enjoying golf with some of the kids.

Santa arrived...I think I was the most excited!

This was my view when Santa got close since

Erin and Eric were both holding my legs so tight that as I tried to get a picture of them WITH Santa but this is what I got.

The boy was ready to golf.

Emma relaxing with Santa!

This was a close as Erin and Eric got to Santa

I tried to get a family picture and Emma was more interested in the cute boy in the background.

Every child received a Build-A-Bear

that was donated by a family

Tracy, Nicole and me

Emma was tired but not ready to go

Now it was mama ready to go...goodbye new friend

Jesus Loves Me

Away in the Manger

Just a warning...you may want to get a glass of water before viewing this clip.

Emma's 6th Birthday

Good morning Birthday Girl! I can hardly believe that you are six years old and in school already.

Eric came in to loudly "wake up sissies".

Now Emma is a little more awake and a little more silly!

Emma took in cupcakes to school for her birthday. Two days before we all worked on the chocolate molds...Eric helped by "working on the chocolate". The night before we made the cupcakes and then frosted them in the morning. Eric ate one to taste test it for us...just like grandpa! :-) And then Emma placed all of the chocolates on top. Don't worry Oma, we also sent in freshly cut fruit salad for the morning snack.

Can you guess which cupcake was Emma's?

Emma's First Snow Day

Emma had her first snow day from school on

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

of course that meant sledding and hot chocolate!

Emma making a snow angel

Erin's snow angel

My three snow E's

Practice sledding

Okay mom, we are ready to go sledding for real

Watch out...Erin has a good arm!

Walking to the park to go sledding

It's the perfect hill for the ages of our munchkins

Eric and Emma going solo

While Erin was trying to make a snowman

and was a bit frustrated that the snow wouldn't pack enough to make one.

One more try before heading home

Snow Day - Part 2

A happy Emma out in the snow....again!

Eric trying to maneuver in the snow.

For the most part, the snow was up to his knees.

Can you imagine trying to walk in snow up to your knees?

Conquering the mountain!

The girls had a great time out in the snow.

Emma even found a "HUGE" icicle.