New Jersey

We were able to go up to New Jersey last week to see Matt for the last time before his deployment. His parents, the kids and I drove up to Fort Dix to see him. We left late Sunday night and drove/rode all night long. We made it in just over 12 hours. The kids did GREAT! They slept most of the trip, which was a blessing. We got there, got settled and went to the base to get Matt a little earlier than expected. I was so happy to see him! It had only been a month but it felt like forever! We took it easy that night and the next day. We were able to go shopping a little to get a few last minute things Matt needed for his trip.

On Wednesday we drove to Philadelphia to see all the history sites. Matt loves that kind of stuff! We enjoyed it all so much. Carson did great and Jenna did ok too. She isn't a big fan of walking

around and looking at buildings or at a random bell. ha! But she made it and slept great that

night!

Here we are at the Liberty Bell.

Matt standing at the unmarked graves of soldiers from the Revolutionary War.

Matt and Carson sitting in the same pew that George Washington and John Adams sat in.

The next day, we decided on going back to Philadelphia to go to the zoo. As I've said before, Jenna is a big animal lover. She has only been to the Chattanooga Zoo so this was wonderful for her. She loved every minute of it.

That night Mike and Pam kept our kids and we went out for our last date for a year. We ate at Bahama Breeze, which was amazing and then walked around a mall and went to Target Greatland. (I couldn't resist!)

Matt eating Grilled Chicken Kabobs that were delicious!

On Friday, we just stayed around the hotel and spent time just as a family. We shopped a little at the Carter's outlet and Matt and I went to the hospital to see one of the soldiers and his wife.(She went into labor while we were up there. She had the baby the next morning in New Jersey. They were so happy that Daddy was there to see the new baby.) Since Matt missed Jenna's birthday party, we had a small one at our hotel. I was so happy we got to celebrate with him.

We had an early Saturday morning. They had a Celebration for the soldiers early that morning on post. This is the whole 252nd MP company! They are ready to deploy!

Then they told everyone that if you had a room on base the soldiers could stay one more night with you. I wasn't going to miss an opportunity to see him for a few more hours. So Matt called and got me and the kids a room and found us a ride back home the next day. I was so happy to spend some more time with him. We watched that Alabama game that night and that's about it. Jen likes it when AL football is on. She walks around with her hands in the air saying TOUCHDOWN! ROLL TIDE!

The next morning started around 5:00am. We got up, got packed and said our goodbyes. There were lots of tears but we will make it through this next year. It'll be hard but I know we are strong enough. We left Fort Dix at 7:45am and got back home at 8:45 that night. It was the longest ride of my life. Jenna did ok. And Carson slept most of the time. I am so thankful to be home.

I can't wait to see Matt again. I miss him already. Please keep him and our family in your prayers throughout the next year.