Pictures for Daddy

 We miss you Daddy!  Time is flying by fast and we have been staying busy.  This weekend has included VBS, wedding showers, meeting with friends, and lots of laughs and love.  We are counting down the weeks till Daddy is home...

First Night of Vacation Bible School

The first night of VBS was a hit!  There was an overload of children ready to learn about God.  Thank you to all the fearless volunteers.  Each night each child brings a school supply item to help a local child in the community with back-to-school supplies.  Below is a picture of Caroline dropping off her nightly school supply.  Thursday night was " wear red" night.

Caroline's class and Mrs. Lynne

Oucho the Octopus

Caroline's class during craft time

Snack Time

Caroline and Claire checking out the ocean

Caroline starting karaoke early

Caroline's favorite thing she has learned from vacation bible school is how to make a puppet turtle with her hands.  I did not take pictures last night...I am taking full advantage of "me" time with deep cleaning the house and grocery shopping. Today is another full day of fun!

Bella Turns 2

 We loaded up for the Wonder Place this morning to celebrate Bella turning 2!  Caroline had a blast and spent the majority of the time in the water section.  Water section=soaked clothes

 Caroline and the Birthday Girl

 Cupcake Time

 We had a great day yesterday!  Caroline went to school and this week at school is "ice" week.  She made an ice snowman and homemade orange ice cream.  Alyse came to visit and it made my day!  I see her everyday at work, but it is always nice to have a little fun after hours together.  We went to dinner last night and went shopping for Dare to Share.  Caroline enjoyed picking out school supplies for the children....I cannot wait till it is her turn to choose school supplies. I remember the days of excitement picking out lunch boxes, folders, pencil, oh the fun!

I went to pick up a few pictures yesterday and Caroline returned home to find that her "daddy boy" doll finally has a face!  Her doll is a small doll that she can sleep with at night to remind her of Daddy.  

 And...I finally got a picture to go in the frame that Matt has given me.  I adore it and it is just perfect!

We did get to skype with Matt yesterday and it was such a joy!

Quick Update

I wanted to give you all a quick update on the deployment.  Matt has arrived in Indiana and is doing well.  He is a busy boy!  At Camp Atterbury,  Matt and his group are currently being tested and trained for one last step before deployment.  Please continue to keep Matt in your prayers. 

As far as the Ritchie girls...well....we are making it.  I went a few days without much of an appetite or sleep.  I feel great and in full swing, but I guess my mind is just racing and thinking about a million things.  The appetite is coming back, and the lack of sleep I am still working on.  As far as Caroline she is understanding a LOT more than what I thought that she would understand.  She talks about how her daddy is helping others on a regular basis and how she misses him.  For those of you that are parents you know how hard it can be to see a child ponder....and now I know.  On the other hand, she does not understand the concept of time.  She does not understand the time frame of the deployment.  Please continue to pray for her to have understanding and peace. 

A big thanks to everyone that has sent cards, food, gifts, and most of all your time.  I am constantly receiving messages and the messages mean the most!  Your thoughtfulness is appreciated in every single way!

This is THE Day

Today is THE day that we have been anticipating.  The day we wished would somehow pass, but I have to say that the day was filled with peace.  I have prayed for this day for a good while.  I have prayed for the Lord to give Matt and myself peace.  I have prayed for Caroline to have understanding.  I sit here and write this post with crocodile tears in my eyes, but at the same time the Lord has granted me peace.

Matt will be helping provide a safe and secure environment for the people in Kosovo.  Please continue to keep my family in your prayers.

The Three of Us

Matt saying goodbye to Nick

Matt preparing for flight

The Price Crew

Matt preparing for flight

Matt is in the helicopter to the left. 

 

 WWII Veteran saluting the soldiers

Leaving for Indiana

The two of us waving to Daddy

Bella and Caroline supporting our troops

I will keep you all posted on the next step in Matt's deployment.  He is already missed, but one day down!

Happy July 4th

Caroline Gets Her Teeth Cleaned

Guess who came to see my today....my favorite patient.  Little Miss had her first cleaning today and did very good.  She chose raspberry toothpaste and we counted her teeth.  She has twenty teeth and no cavities.  Her Mommy and Daddy must be doing a great job brushing her teeth! I was so proud of her and so joyous that Matt got to come watch the experience.  Her favorite part was when Mrs. Alyse came in to help polish her teeth.  She LOVED the suction and water.  So proud of our little girl!

Saturday Fun

 Last Saturday was a great, fun, family day!  Daddy and Caroline rolled out of bed right on time and we rushed to be at Old Navy for their huge flip-flop sale.  Caroline adores flip-flops.  She would wear them year round if she had her way.  The flip-flops were on sale for $1!!!  That is right!  $1!  We loaded up for next year.  Then we went to Chick-fil-a for brunch and did a little grocery shopping. 

 When we got home, these two sweeties surprised me and started washing windows!  I cannot tell you the last time the outside windows have been washed.  Our windows are sparkling!  Thanks Matt!

 Caroline still being a big helper

We had a great day spending time together and making our house sparkle and shine!