Husband Update

Praise Jesus Patrick is almost finished with phase one at boot camp. That means he has been away for 4 weeks at this point if you include receiving week. I am going to be honest here. I am not going to say oh all is just a bed of roses because it has been very challenging at times. I will say though that it is great to have family and friends to help the time pass by. Also, having support groups on Facebook with other people that are going through the same thing has helped more than anyone could imagine. For instance I have gotten to see 4 pictures of Patrick through these groups, and since he does not have time to write home very much those  pictures are a treasure. I look at them daily and throughout the day. Patrick says keep the letters coming they really lift his spirits and it is the only contact he has to the outside world. So, I would like to thank each and every person that has taken time out of their busy lives to write him. He just really started getting a lot of the letters around January 25. He said it made him feel good, but he hasn't had a chance to read all of them yet. Please know that if you write him he would love to write you back but it may take awhile. If you all would say extra prayers for him and all the recruits at Parris Island it would be greatly appreciated. Many are sick with coughs and pink eye including Patrick.

Greenville Zoo with Auntie M

We went to the zoo while visiting Auntie M. The kids enjoyed looking at all the animals even though it was a little chilly outside. We forgot the stroller so we took turns holding Meredith.

Auntie M, Charles, and Meredith

Checking out the Eastern Spotted Turtle

A real life Geoffrey. Charles will not go down for naps or bedtime without his stuffed giraffe that we call Geoffrey.

Enjoying the zoo with Mommy

Sweet Girl

Pot Bellied Pig's Lunchtime.

The zookeeper allowed Charles to feed the pig his lunch. He had so much fun!
 

Week One

Our little family is doing well. I am awaiting our first letter from Patrick. I can't wait to hear from him. Plus I just plain can't wait to send him a letter. I already feel like my first letter is too long to hand write at this point. I am keeping a journal so that I don't forgot anything that I want to tell him. Last night I purchased a NIV Trimline Bible to send him. I know he wanted to purchase one before leaving but just ran out of time. So his first letter he will get a present too. The only thing I can send him is a Bible, but I plan on double checking before I send it just to make sure.
While we wait and look forward to seeing Patrick we are enjoying spending time with family and friends. If any of you would like to spend time or hang out with us to help make this time go by a little faster just let me know. One week down and twelve to go.