Monday, November 15, 2010

HOLY MOLY WAVES







So the winter is the time for the waves here. Today was the first big swell of the season and we went to North Shore to see it. We stopped at Pipeline first where we talked to some locals that said that was the biggest we would see today but to come back in December. I cant imagine them being any bigger. They were crazy! Ava didnt even notice, she just played in the sand. I wish Chase would have been here today since he loves the surfing thing. The pictures dont even do it justice. I can't even describe the force these waves were creating. There were little kids out there surfing, getting slug around. I dont know how people do it. Very cool though, and something some people never get to experience.


The Surf report tomorrow for the North Shore 18-20 feet.


I think Andy Irons may have something to do with this!
Andy is a pro surfer that past away unexpetantly November 2. The pro surfers on the Tripple Crown skipped surfing the waves today to attend his memorial.


Thursday, November 11, 2010

Awww Man


That is what my one year old said when I told her daddy was going to be leaving for a little while.
We said "see you soon" to Chase today, we never say bye...thats such a final word. It was hard this time watching him with Ava but as always, I had this huge feeling of pride. Today being Veterans Day, I couldnt help but think of how important his job is. Without guys like him, we wouldnt have all that we have. I am very lucky that we do have a true Hero in our family. Sometimes I wish it wasnt him that has to go, but I always stop to think how selfish that is of me. I am truly honored to be married to a man that puts his country first, who is willing to risk his life to protect ours. So thank you to my wonderful husband. You are an amazing dad and we wouldnt know what to do without you. But most importantly, Thank you for being an amazing Marine. You kick butt at your job and you truly are a hero. Please pray for everyone in 2/3 as they travel and prepare to take on their mission. We hope they get in and do their job and get back home safely.

Happy Veterans Day to all the service members everywhere, past and present. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!


Thursday, November 4, 2010

A day at the park

Ava and I have stayed in for the past 3 days due to rainy weather. This afternoon it stopped raining and we decided to go to the library. Not a good place to take a kid who has been cooped up for a few days. The park was our next stop. It was nice and overcast outside and made for a really cool park visit.










We had a very good time!
BYE


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

That's Sgt. Daddy to You!!

Yep that's right. After what felt like forever, Chase picked up Sgt. Today! (Sorry, no new addition to our family) We are so proud of him. He got promoted meritoriously and his CO made an awesome speech about him! I pinned his new rank on, which I was so honored to do, and little Ava watched as it all happened. She was very good! Here are some pictures of our amazing day. Chase said we couldn't talk about it until it happened or we would jinx it, so sorry to all for the wait! Congrats Hunny!!! We are so proud of all that you have accomplished in your career already and stand behind you as you continue to serve and protect our country! Thanks for everything you do at work and at home. You are an amazing dad and husband and we love you so much!

Love, Crystal and Ava




Chase saluting the CO before he reads his promotion warrant





Out with the old, and in with the new!





Putting his new chevrons on...SGT BABY!!




Chases speech to the company.




Saluting the CO again, now as a Sgt.




Showing Ava, they are both so proud!




Sgt. Alexanian






And thats a wrap. Thanks to everyone for all the support that you have given Chase, and us as a family, through his career so far. He really couldn't have done this without all of y'all!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Something Special

Tomorrow something special is happening! Hmm.....you are wondering... Check back tomorrow to see what it is! (with pictures) We have been waiting and waiting for this. aghhhhh Im so excited!!

Monday, October 25, 2010

A Halloween Costume



"Ava will never wear a store bought costume"
What was I thinking? You should never say things like that! I did make her costume this year. I had great intentions of starting early and finishing early but the Fall Festival was Friday and I was finishing her costume an hour before we had to leave. Now anyone who knows me, knows that nothing gets done on time but that was really really pushing it. It turned out great and only cost about 20 bucks! I made a white tutu and hand sewed black faux fur spots and a tail. I bought a $3.00 onesie at target and machine sewed more spots on the top half of that. I made a set of puppy ears and attatched them to a black goodies headband. I added a little red bow to one of the ears of course. It had to be known she was a girl puppy....if the tutu didnt give it away! My favorite part of the whole costume is her collar. It is made out of felt and glitter paint. It made the outfit so complete. Maybe Ill start earlier next year!









Thursday, October 14, 2010

Since When Did She Grow Up??

It happened overnight I think. She woke up and is a big girl now. She has long hair, talks in sentences (sometimes) and loves to do things her way. It does make me sad, but in a small way makes me very proud. She is so smart and creative and Im so happy she's my daughter!





Sunday, August 1, 2010

Ohh how I love pirates!


Today thanks to our good new friend Denise (who shares all the great things to do in Hawaii with us) we are going to the movie set of Pirates of the Caribbean 4! Yep thats right....Johnny Depp! If all pirates were that cute we would buy a ship and set out to sea....well in my dreams right! They are filming in the Heeia Kia Boat Harbor right down the street. I can't wait to see that big beautiful pirate ship. eeeek! Hope its still there this morning or we are gonna have to drive all over the island looking for it. My camera went in by bag to Atlanta already so my phone will have to take pictures. Bummer! Just wanted to share my excitement about that! Jealous...I know!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A Work of Art


We have a little artist on our hands. Chase and I couldn't find any art work to hang in our kitchen. We looked long and hard to no avail. Today all 3 of us took a trip to the craft store and picked up two very large pieces of canvas. We stripped Ava down to her diaper, put a blanket over the table, paint on paper plates, handed her a paintbrush and let her go.


Her creativity really started to show!

And she stayed very focused!

I told you we just let her go!

She was very proud of herself.


We signed her name...well because she cant write...just paint!


Now we have a true treasure, one of a kind painting that matches perfect! I love love love them but did you expect anything else? They are so "us"!


p.s. my kitchen isn't as bright as it looks. It is very yellow but you don't need sunglasses to eat dinner!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Going Home!

Ava and I had planned on going home when Chase left for Pre-deployment training in California. He would be gone for 5 weeks so I didnt mind putting Ava through the flight and the time change. Well 2 days ago he came home to tell me he would be leaving next Sunday and he would be gone a little longer. I found myself very excited, but I actually for a split second thought maybe we should stay- just a split millisecond. Chase said he was so happy I thought that, it meant I was actually happy here. I am happy here. I have the perfect little family. My relationship with Ava is amazing. She makes me smile all the time. I find myself missing her after she goes to sleep at night! Chase and I have grown closer since we have been here and are so happy! So this post is sort of just a little journal entry or what not but I like to use this blog to write my feelings too. I cant wait to go home and see everyone. I miss my family and all the southern hospitality that you take for granite when you live in the south! See you soon Georgians! Ohh and just so you know how much I really do love you, Im leaving this to come home! :0)



Thursday, July 22, 2010

Happy Anniversary...


TO US!!

Yesterday was our 3 year anniversary. It has been a busy year for us. 2 combat deployments, Little Ava's arrival, Moving to Hawaii. It has gone by fast. Chase said he couldn't believe it had been 3 years already and then we figured out he has only been home for half of it...no wonder it went by so fast! Here are some pictures of our past 3 years together.



























Saturday, July 10, 2010

A First For Ava



We took her to see a movie today. I know you are thinking to yourself, those people are crazy. We wanted to see Toy Story 3 and we weren't about to leave her with a sitter to go see a kids movie so she went too. She did so well. She did drink most of my coke but other than that she sat still the whole time. Here are a few pictures of her big girl trip. We were so proud of her!





Ready to go with Woody and her ticket!!







Monday, July 5, 2010

4th of July

Our 4th of July was filled with cookouts, Hawaiian sunsets, Navy Shipyard, pony rides, and of course fire works! Hope your 4th was as wonderful as ours was!!