Gone for Awhile...

We were fortunate to see the Shabazz's off, out of the great state of NC, and on their way to Arizona for the next 3 years.  It was a bittersweet goodbye.  We started our friendship and Marine Corps lives together almost 8 years ago.  We have loved watching Samadah grow up into a beautiful young lady inside and out and they have watched us just begin our parenting journey.  We made a picture of the entire family just like we did 8 years ago...my my my how time flies when you're having fun!

Milton, FL 2003

 New Bern, NC 2011



Playtime all the time!

Gavin is soaking up all kinds of new skills lately.  He is crawling, pulling up, and cruising.  He is using the new modes of transportation to his favor.  Adventurous just does not accurately describe this little boys imagination.  If he can get to it...he does!  A bag of frozen peas, underneath his "condo"...you name it-it's a toy!

Recently he went swimming with the Jones' twins in their new pool.  I must say, he is a ladies man!  In fact, he even tried to put the moves on Piper :).

Leaving VMAQ-2

    VMAQ-2 has been apart of our lives for the last 4.5 years.  We survived 3 deployments (2 to Iraq, 1 to Afghanistan), had our first child, and lived in New Bern longer than anywhere else in our adult lives (almost 4 times longer.)  The time here has certainly been challenging yet we've made some of the most rewarding memories.  We have had the opportunity to rekindle friendships both old and new. We will dearly miss them for sure.
    A "Hail and Bail" is a squadron tradition where the new folks are welcomed and the departing folks are remembered.  The event usually takes place in the squadron Officer Club (yes it's a bar-I had my baby in a bar :). The Skipper talks about each person's time in the squadron and what they meant to VMAQ-2.  He also awards those who have earned medals during their time.  Adam was awarded his SECOND Air Medal for his achievements in the squadron...that man never ceases to amaze me!

Biker Rally...

On Father's Day weekend we decided to take a trip to Jacksonville.  The Harley-Davidson Store was hosting a biker rally.  Gavin really enjoyed himself in more than one way.  He loved the sound of the bikes, the girls :), and all the attention he was getting.  The pictures say it all...

Daddy Day rocks!

I fail to put into words how special Adam is to our family.  He shows me everyday what a Godly Christian man looks like.  Now that we have been blessed with Gavin, I have the privelege of watching him be a wonderful father too!  We started the day with the usual walk and breakfast by the river.  Gavin played around on a sailboat that was docked there. Next up was church followed by ANOTHER walk to the river and some swim time for the boys that afternoon.  Even though some would say we didn't do much, it was a perfect summer's day in the Cromwell house!