Ready for an Adventure

When Jason and I arrived at my parent's house Mamaw allowed the kids to open their Christmas presents from them. The boys were particularly taken with the explorer bags that Uncle Stacy put together for them. In the bags are magnifying glasses, flashlights, shovels, notebooks and pencils, a headlamp, and whistle. It is just perfect for our camping trip, and the boys don't want to go anywhere without them.

Abby got a purse from Mamaw. It is so precious! It has a cell phone, powder compact, keys, and change purse! She just loves it. Especially the phone, she is a talk-a-holic already, haha!


(this is Gabriel and Noah with there "serious explorer" faces)

It is a rare occasion that Jason and I get to be present for anyone's birthday besides our own kids, but this year we were able to celebrate my Daddy's birthday with him.



Our Grill MASTER (my brother darin) went to work on some Ribs and BBQ chicken!! MMMMMmmmmm!!



And Abby found a new buddy in Uncle Stacy!!

The Biltmore House

I've lived in North Carolina for most of my life only a few miles from the Biltmore House but I have never been there. It was absolutely beautiful. I can't believe that I have never taken the time to see it before. We decided to do the audio tour while we were there which was well worth it. There is just so much history and so many stories behind all the beautiful furnishings. I can't wait to be able to go back for a second visit.

Becoming an Officer

CMDCM Mallo removes Jason's CPO Uniform


Gabriel (with the help of CAPT Carter) and Noah (with the help of Mommy) put on Daddy's Ensign Shoulder Boards, after which I put on his Jacket.


Swearing the Oath of Office


Ensign Jason Ehlenberger and Family

We were so blessed to have some very important people in our life travel the distance to be there for the ceremony. It was also a bit bittersweet as we packed out the very next week and this was our last opportunity for all of us to visit with our East Coast Friends and Family.

Jason's Dad, Peter, came from Fredricksburg, Va. Unfortunately Jeannie was sick that day and couldn't make it to the ceremony. Jason's Mom, Layne, came from Lenoir, NC.

Jason's Sister came up from Hudson along with her husband Micheal and children Justin, Jordyn, Trinity, and Kaleb.


And a long time friend of Jason's, Antonio Blanco, came from NY.


Our Good Friends from NC Church of Christ, Wayne and Bev Mihelich, came from Lenoir NC.

Christmas Day

OOps!! I am back tracking. I just realized that I never got around to posting the Christmas pics.
I posted most of the pics on the web gallery. But here are pics of Santa's gifts.

The boys were very excited that Santa brought them costumes. But Noah was even more surprised that Santa "some how" found out that he had changed his mind about wanting a batman costume like Gabriel, and that he really wanted Flash instead. He said Santa must have Magic Hearing!!! Abigail got her first baby doll.

But mommy's present was the BEST!! Santa got me a new bike and baby trailer. JUST WHAT I WANTED!!!

Commissioning Ceremony

It's official Jason is now an Officer in the Navy. Ensign Jason Ehlenberger. The ceremony was beautiful and very touching. I am such a proud wife I could just burst! I want to thank our "far away" friends and family that were able to make it to the ceremony. It really meant a lot to Jason and I to have you there. BTW the bottom picture is the cake that I had made for Jason. The hats are cake as well. It turned out really beautiful so I just had to post a pic.

Unfortunately I currently only have the pictures that my mom took of the reception. The Ceremony was photographed by Jason's command and we won't get those pictures until after our computer is packed up and gone. So it will be awhile on those.

Happy Birthday Gabriel

Can you believe it?? Gabriel is SIX!! And to everyone's surprise this winter birthday kid WANTED a Santa themed birthday. So we made snowball cake, by rolling balls of cake in coconut flakes. We wrapped all his presents in santa paper. And he wore a santa hat while he opened his presents.