Week 1 without Aaron

Aaron's back in Colorado for two weeks finishing up his reserve duty for the year. We had one of the best weeks we've had while Aaron was gone and I think the reason is because we had little things to look forward to each day. 

Monday - After school, we all dropped Aaron off at the airport.

Tuesday - We went to the park for a little birthday party. 

Wednesday - we went to the library and had fast food for dinner. 

Thursday - Deb and Dave, our neighbors from Colorado, visited us for the afternoon! Oh we love them so much. They were truly like grandparents to my kids while Aaron was deployed and gone so much. They were driving through on I-70 and asked if they could see us! We enjoyed visiting for hours and had BBQ for dinner. They made us feel so loved and it cheered up our hearts! 

Friday - We picked up three kinds of milk shakes and had a taste test. Oreo cookies and cream and Butterfinger were the winners. 

Saturday - After completing chores, we went to Watkins Woolen Mill State Park. We haven't been there before, but I've heard it's a great path to walk with a stroller. We packed a lunch and jumped in the car ready for an adventure. Aaron has taught me so much about the importance of being in nature. It's good for my soul as well as for the kids'. 

It was suppose to rain all day, so we were pleasantly surprised when it was a gorgeous day. I had dinner in the crockpot already so we had an impromptu dinner with our neighbors outside. Adelaide got some dinner too! 

And Sunday we went to church for the first time without being required to wear a mask! Yay! The hymn books were out as well and the kids were so excited to follow along with the songs. I teared up during the song, "Be Still My Soul." A year ago, I felt so confused about what was happening during the pandemic. On Sunday, I felt so happy seeing so many smiling faces! 

Do we miss Aaron? Oh absolutely! I told the kids we can either be completely miserable without him when he has to leave, or we can make memories together and tell him all about it when he gets home. Hopefully we can survive, I mean thrive, until Aaron gets home on Saturday night!! :)