This Crazy Little Thing Called Life

Wow. I look back on the last 2 years and I can't seem to figure out where the time went. So many amazing things have happened in our lives in the last 2 years, and I wish I would have stumbled upon the blogging world before now! I decided to start this blog for several reasons, the main reason being that I thought it would be a great idea to keep friends and family back at home up to date on what's happening in our lives here in Hawaii. Although we are an ocean away, I hope this blog will help shorten that distance a little bit.

Just to bring everyone up to date (although I'm sure many of you know most of this information), 2 years ago Kyle decided to join the United States Marine Corps. He entered into basic training in March of 2008 and graduated in June of 2008. I was fortunate enough to have been able to attend his graduation at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. If you have never been to a USMC graduation, I urge you to go at least once. It's a life changing experience.

Seeing one another for the first time at his graduation in California!

Kyle was able to go back to Michigan in June for a short 10 day leave before heading off to California for more training. It was in those 10 days when he asked me to be his wife...I of course said, "YES!" In August of 2008, Kyle had completed his infantry training and received orders for Marine Corps Base Hawaii...what a shock! He made the move to Hawaii that August, and I packed up everything I owned and flew out there to marry him in September. We were married on Magic Island in Waikiki on October 11, 2010. It was one of the best days of my entire life.

Becoming Mr. and Mrs.

In May of 2009, my heart broke a thousand times as I had to say goodbye to my new husband for our first deployment. The time had come and he was heading to Afghanistan. After many sleepless nights, lots of prayers, and endless tears, I welcomed my husband home in November 2009. There will never be words to describe how it felt watching him come off that plane after 6 months of worry and wait. He was home safe, and I couldn't wait to continue our happily ever after.

The plane Kyle arrived home on from Afghanistan.

Our first embrace after 6 long months apart...

In February 2010, we welcomed our new furry addition, Luke, who has been such a joy in our lives! He keeps us very busy!

He smiles like this all the time!!

Don't let that sweet face fool you! He can be such a handful!

I can't believe 1 year ago I said goodbye to my love and watched him walk away. It has been 6 months since he has been home from war, and I'm trying to savor every moment I have with him until the next deployment which is due to happen this Fall. For now Kyle is keeping very busy with various training operations, and we are enjoying our time together as much as we can!!

Kyle spear fishing in Kaneohe Bay =)