First Letter from Michael!

Hello Hello!

I received the first letter from Mike today since he left. This is the first communication I have received from him. Sooooo excited to hear from him and more importantly to hear he is doing good. Basic has not broke him yet, not sure it is going to. He is happy to be with other warrant officer flight training guys. His letter was dated the 27th so it took 4 days to arrive. He started basic on Thursday the 29th and should be able to call next week, I am really looking forward to that. Of course he misses Ethan & I and we miss him too.

I will let you know when I hear from him again.

Ali

Maddi's First Hair Cut

Yesterday we took Maddi Grace to get her first haircut. She has a big girl haircut now and looks so adorable! We then went to dinner with Jennier & Saylor. Maddi & Saylor are two funny girls, I cannot wait until Ethan is 3 ;)

Finding the dress!... for Katie's wedding

While in CA we went dress shopping w/ Aunt Katie. She found the perfect dress and we are so excited for her wedding May! Love you Miss Katie!

Week 1... sigh

Tomorrow will signify week 1 of our new life. I have to tell you, being alone was never a big deal to me, this time it is. I guess I have never been with anyone that I really truelly want to share my whole life with. There are moments in each day that I wish Mike was here for. Today I heard the garage door open and got excited that he was home, it only lasted a moment when I realized I won't get that pleasure for a while. I received an email from Mike's Dad today, also Mike, and got excited for a moment when I saw an email from Mike Maquet.

Last night was my first night in our home since he has left. My first night sleeping in our bed without him. Today was my first day going to the gym without him. All these things individually are no big deal but together sure make me miss him. Mike makes life more enjoyable and way easier. Not only is he my soulmate but he is Ethan's hero... and I miss him!

I am no stranger to military life, I am no stranger to independence, and I am definately no stranger to making the best of every situation. It is purely an adjustment, just a harder adjustment then I anticipated. There are many more days, night, weeks, months, possibly years not having Mike home and they will get easier.

Goodbye week 1... happy to see you go.

California Trip

California was a very busy trip for Ethan & I. My grandfather on my Moms side passed away and we attended his funeral on Friday. It was a beautiful service and it was nice to see my family. Saturday we went dress shopping with my dearest friend Katie. She did find a beautiful wedding dress and will be getting married in May. Sunday we went to see my brother Michael. I had a very nice visit with him and my neice & nephew. I am very proud of my brother!

Mexico - Booze Cruise!

Our last night in Cabo San Lucas we went on a fun Booze Cruise and got to see the sunset right on the water. It was absolutely beautiful and we got to drink tons!

Mexico - Bull Fight... Donkey Show!

We went to a bull fight which ended up being a donkey show. We saw a donkey out drink 3 men, Mike was in a donkey race where he won the donkey he raced on. The most exciting is when they tricked two guys into riding this teater totter then realesed the biggest angriest bull. They had no idea what was going on and one guy got trampled. It was hillarious once we knew everyone was ok.

Mexico - Pool Party!

Our hotel also hosted a pool party right on the beach. I entered a limbo competition where I should have won... The two other finalists both had 2 chances. I am not bitter though, what would I have done with a bottle of tequila anyway ;)

Mexico - Mi Casa!

Mi Casa was a local Mexican Restraunt everyone said great things about. The atmosphere was incredible. I had the strongest margarita in all of Mexico. A mexican clown named Taquito made us some love bird balloon animals and of course Mike got to sing La Bamba.

Mexico - ATVs!

We went on a 4 wheeling adventure. We went to the other side of the penisula and got to ride down the pacific coast. It was amazing. 4 ATVs overheated on the way back, every ATC that Mike drove, and everyone ended up pairing up.

Mexico - The Fiesta!

What is Mexico without a Fiesta. Our hotel had great dinner shows every night we were there. At the fiesta Mike & I entered a dance competition and were so close to winning... when we lost to a pregnant gal and her Dad who was celebrating his 60th birthday. What can you do?!?

Mexico - The worlds largest Rum & Coke!

As most know Mike loves his rum & coke. To keep the man satisfied he bought the necessary ingredients and mixed his own to keep his satisfied during our stay in Mexico. The container was a large water bottle and you don't waste good water in Mexico so I filled up all the cups in the hotel room and saved the good water! HAHA!

Mexico - Mango Deck!

About a 20 minutes walk down the beach from our hotel was this place called Mango Deck. Great food and 2 for 1 drinks all day. Mike got his own bucket of beers one day and won a push up contest. The mariachi band also sand La Bamba for Mike. We went there twice we loved it so much.