Minor House Updates Make a Difference

Sorry for the poor quality - it's the AMCC stock photo & this is as clear as I could get it.

When we moved to Camp Lejeune, we decided to live on base for the first time. I was pregnant with Caroline and we were looking for something easy and safe, which made the decision easy! Little did we know, we were blessed to be given a house in the cutest little neighborhood.

The houses are two story and, for the most part, all look the same. At first, I was all, "Eh, it's fine. No changes necessary!" Now, about a year and a half later, I was feeling like our house was closing in on me. We'd put every item we own into the house and "made it work." It was time for a change.

Midway Park Splash Pad

Caroline and I ventured out to the Midway Park Splash Pad on Camp Lejeune recently and I'm so glad that we did! The two times that we have been, it hasn't been busy and that's exactly how I like it. If you're looking for somewhere to take your little kiddo to cool off, I think this is the spot!

Lynnwood Park Zoo

On a sunny day a few weeks ago, Mark asked if we could do something as a family. Specifically, he asked if we could do something Caroline would like and he wanted me to make sure I took lots of pictures. The man just wanted to make some daddy/daughter memories and... be still my heart... we made it happen!

The Butcher Board

So far, within our 5 years of military life together, we've been blessed enough to meet so many talented artists from all over the place! Whether it was Manami, Kacey's Kitchen, or Fun Flying Four... we keep making friends with some serious skill.

Chad, the craftsman behind The Butcher Board, is no exception!

Tiny Sweetness

Everyone feels a special kind of joy for a family that is about to welcome a new baby into their family. When I had the honor of photographing this particular family, the sweetness wasn't just brewing in that momma's belly.

The Queen and Her Crew

Between now and August, I have a lot of photos to take for families and friends in the area. I'm trying to build up my confidence behind my camera before I shoot my cousin's wedding! To kick off the photography marathon, I linked up with this stunning family before a special USMC event.

Tata Jo, Camp Lejeune's French Food Truck

There's a little food truck "park" here on base, which has been a fun way for Mark and I to have lunch together. We've taken a lot of opportunities to check them all out! One of our favorites is TataJo. It's so delicious and the woman, who I can only assume is "Auntie" Jo, runs the show and is so genuine and nice.

Onslow Beach

Here at Camp Lejeune, there are beach accommodations for those with on-base access. Last weekend, my friend Chris and her family came down from Virginia, giving me the chance to scope out the scene of Onslow Beach.

Moving Update

I am happy to report that Mark and I have, mostly, settled into our new house! It's been a crazy few weeks, which included Mark leaving for a training exercise, but we're chugging along. The house is coming together great, mostly because Mark has worked his butt off to get it all put together just the way that I want it. He's sweet like that.