We met the mouse!

It's well known that if you grew up in Florida you probably are not big into Disney stuff. Growing up we went all the time. It was always hot and long lines. You sorta got over it real quick. Well now as a parent I see Disney through my kids' eyes. My daughter loves all things princess and my son is into action things as well. So of course we had to stop at Disneyland. I definitely got choked up walking through the gates. It's like a right of passage to take your kids to Disney. It was a wonderful day and well worth it to meet the mouse! 

Grand Canyon

We made it to the Grand Canyon! We wanted to stop there on our way to Alaska but couldn't. So we made sure we fit it in this time! It was amazing. The kids got hot and thought if was cool for about a minute then they were bored. We also saw some elk too. It was a memorable day for sure! 

Military child

Moving is hard for anyone and especially kids. Military kids get to experience packing up and moving more often than necessary. It makes them stronger, eventually, but it's so hard and confusing when they are small. My son is 6 and I excited about the idea but the realization that he's leaving his first best friend has been really hard on him. The other day on the ferry he finally had a break down and let the hurt flow. It broke my heart to see him like that but lord knows I've left many friends too on the many moves. It's amazing their resilience in all of this. We are further down the road and he's adjusting well. Now. I need to do the same!! 

My hard working husband

Anyone who personly knows me knows how proud I am of my husband. He is not one to brag on himself so I will. Today was his last day with the "Alex Haley" crew. Traditionally they have "quarters" and send off the member with their awards for their time at the unit. Matt worked extremely hard abord the ship in several departments and also was the command chief this past year. He always works hard but this time he really went above and beyond. This dedication earned him a "Commendation Medal". There has not been one given in the last 3 years on his ship, so it's a big deal. He totally deserves the recognition and I could not be more proud!! 

Our "Wally World"

One of the funny things about Kodiak is our Walmart. Coming from the lower 48 we are used to super Walmarts that have everything you need and more. We are fortunate to have one here in Kodiak but it's one of the smallest in the country and perhaps the most remote! Prices are higher and selection is limited but it's been so great to have in a pinch! Plus our Walmart has a very large Kodiak bear mount. So that in itself makes it a pretty cool stop when family visits. We named him "Kody" and we had another thing to say goodbye to! 

"See you soon"

We never like saying goodbye to people who have become like family. That's one of the hardest things about military life. We have a saying that helps since chances are, if we are lucky enough, we may get to be stationed together with them or visit again. That saying is "see you soon". I personally feel that I was blessed to have know all these different people and families in each place we have been stationed. It's now dawning on me that my kids will be saying "see you soon" to their first real friends. This breaks my heart for them but it's all part of life. I pray our paths do cross again and we will...see you all soon!! 

401Bravo

401B was a great house! It was small & cramped and gave us lots of great memories. My daughter had most of her firsts there. First crawl, steps and first words. As for my son he started kindergarten and Tball among other great memories in this house. Even though we out grew it almost immediately we made it a home. I've always loved the expression that love grows best in little houses and this one certainly helped our love to grow. We said goodbye to 401Bravo today but we take with us some wonderful memories. 

Packing funnies

Our last name is not the most common name but it seems pretty simple to us. Fon ville. Ok. We've been getting a chuckle out of the packers interpretation of our last name! Here are two examples: 

Farville: where we feel we have lived for the last 3 years. Ha! 

Fontavilla: maybe that's where we are headed! Love it! 

Packing has begun!

This move is FINALLY happening!! YAY!! I'm beyond excited. When we left Florida and Texas I was heart broken but to be honest I'm thrilled to be moving back down south. Alaska has been an incredible journey and we've met amazing people and seen and done things we never imagined. But there's no place like home... Or being close to home. We are ready and excited for our new adventure! 

Crab Fest

Kidiak Crab fest is the biggest festival of the year up here. Matt has unfortunately been deployed for the last two years and missed out in the fun. It's super small compared to our big city festivals and fairs we grew up with but it's huge for Kodiak. We always run into people we know and the kids think it's a big deal also. Third year must have its charms bc Matt got to experience it with us this year before we transfer. 

Matt doesn't look too thrilled but we had fun and he did too. 

Out on the water

Last weekend we finally rented a morale boat to go out, after 3 years up here!! The weather was perfect (actually got up to 80*) and we had Matt home too. We had a blast exploring Kodiak from a different view point. Tried fishing a little off shore. Caught a few fish but no halibut until both kids started feeling sick. It was a wonderful day and one to remember for a long time to come. 

Our little "lightnin' bug"

Could she be any cuter? The "tail" had a light in it that was visible onstage. She did an amazing job! 

Can we say adorable??? To top it off I was crying of course as she danced and after they were all off stage she sneaked back on and blew kisses to us!! The audience just fell in love with her! And I cred some more! 

Tiny dancer

Our sweet girl is going to be in her first dance recital. At her first practice she freaked out but now she's excited. Plus that costume is super cute, who wouldn't want to dance in it. 

AWANA derby car night

Ive been leading an AWANA group up here for the last 3 years and Parker is now a "Sparkie". They hold a box wood car derby every year and this year we got to participate. Parker helped to make his "Sonic" car and I had to do a truck, of course, with a "Thirty-One" theme.

Parker took 1st place for the design category and I got 2nd for Design. Our cars were pretty fast but we had some great competition in the speed department! It was a lot of fun. I hope we get to do it again next year!

He's 6!

Our little "big" man has turned 6! We celebrated with a few of our close Kodiak friends LEGO style. It was fun scouring "Pinterest" to find creative ways to make the day memorable. Including plating the song from the movie which I can't seem to get out of my head now!

 

"Everything is Awesome, everything is cool when you're part of a team.."

GeoCache Kings, a queen & a princess.

Over the last year my husband has gotten our family into Geocaching. If you have not heard about it, it's really fun, easy and great for kids. There is a website that leads you to different spots to find the cache (not $$). Our kids love to find them and see what treasures may be inside. These are usually stickers or small $1 toys. It's been so fun to do while up here in Alaska. We went the other day and I finally discovered one-Matt usually spots the hidden containers before I do-But not this time. I can't wait to find more on our treck backdown south. Try geocaching with your family. It's a great excuse to get outside and explore! 

Emotions finally hit

I think most people know that I am more than ready to leave Alaska. I've been on cloud 9 since we received our orders to New Orleans. But today I finally got emotional for the first time about moving. Funny thing is it wasn't about leaving Kodiak but leaving some dear friends. Every time we move we make new friends and some people we meet become family. So far we have been blessed to have people in our lives that seem to love and adore our kids almost as much as they love us. Having to say goodbye to those people is one of the hardest things to do, especially since you may never cross paths with them again. Today we will celebrate Parker's 6th birthday and as I was going over the guest list I realized we would be saying goodbye to some great friends very soon. People who were there for my daughters 1st, 2nd & 3rd birthday as well as all my sons since we have been here. It's a hard truth to swallow that they may not be at any more birthdays after we move. Spending our last few months making memories with them will be something to cherish. How blessed we are to have amazing friends as part of our extended family-now that's something to get emotional about! 

My momma

I think the majority of us feel we have the worlds best mom. So many moms before us have demonstrated the loving sacrifices that we as mothers today try to live up to. So in essence we all can say we have the worlds best mom. I sure am blessed to say that about my mom. No she's no perfect but she loves me unconditionally and does what ever she can to show her love and be there whenever or where ever I need her. As soon as I mentioned I was going to have surgery she was booking her ticket to come help me withe the kids and be a support to me. How do you even begin to thank your momma for all she has done or does? My momma works hard and can buy anything she wants. So since I started quilting I knew I had to make her a quilt. I felt like that excited 5 year old I used to be when I'd make her a surprise out of macaroni giving her that quilt. I know she felt all the love I put into it just like the love she puts into everything she does for me. I'm so blessed by my momma. 

Surgery is never easy

Over the last few years I've tried a lot of things to get the weight off. Weight watchers, working out & Zumba just to name a few. Having surgery was never the route I wanted to choose but it decided to choose me. God gave me a peace and calmness about all of this that I never expected. I was more stressed about the logistics of getting to and from Kodiak and figuring out what to do with the kids while I had surgery in Anchorage.  I've been in the protective bubble of the hospital and heading off back into the real world seems a little bit daunting. But I know that with Gods strength I can do anything!! The most positive thing is that my blood sugar levels are around 85. Such a fast change for the best. I want to be around for my husband, for my kids and future grand kids. A verse I have often referenced throughout my life returns at this moment. Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plansi have for you declares The Lord, plans to prosper you to give you a hope and a future". Thank you Lord for every day and for this brighter future. 

Twins!

I finally got the opportunity to photograph twins!! And they were oh so adorable. My girlfriend found out she was having twin boys and I didn't hesitate to ask if I could take their photos after they were born. I am so glad I asked. Its a rare opportunity for a photographer to get the opportunity to shoot newborn twins. 

They were perfect angels and big brother was a ham as usual but didn't really want to do pics with the babies. So I did my best to make him feel comfortable and spent time making him the center of attention. I am so thankful and blessed I had the opportunity! 

How did I miss a whole year?

Ive admitted in the past how Im not the best blogger and I retain my status even though I am trying to make it a weekly habit. I realized I still never blogged about my daughters birthday in December this year or from last year (2012!) How. Did. that. happen? Seriously... Here she is turning 2 at her "Dorothy Party" with her daddy:

This year (2013) she turned 3! Three! OMG thats too big~ and she's got the 3 year old attitude to go with it. She starts out sweet and sneaks it in after. Little adorable stinker. We had a minnie Mouse Party for the third. If you know me Ive never been a big Disney fan so its evident she's putting her "3" cents in for everything... wonder where she gets that from?

So big so fast & so Blessed!

Snowy Sunset over the Buskin River

One afternoon after doing a family photo shoot I decided to take advantage of the sunny snow drift we were having~A rare occasion in Kodiak. Normally we get buckets of snow or buckets of rain and drizzle. Thai day the snow came despite the beautiful sunset. Its almost like two worlds wrapped into one. I love the feeling this image evokes to me. 

Will I miss Kodiak?

Its hard to believe that in 125 days we will be on the ferry to leave Kodiak! I wont lie.. I have a love/hate relationship with this mesmerizing island. I love its beauty & grandeur. I love the people and the sense of security. But its been a hard road dealing with the weather, distance from my family and mostly missing my husband while he's been underway. Besides the friends and people I think ill miss all the photo opportunities. Finding bears, seeing the aurora and seeing eagles on an almost daily basis are going to be the hardest to leave behind. Looking back Im going to feel so blessed that we got to experience something so magical.