He's Such a Major Payne

My handsome husband has served as an attorney in the Air Force for almost seven years.  I don't pretend to understand much about the military, but I do know that my husband has worked hard with integrity and diligence in all the offices he has been assigned to.  He entered the Air Force with the rank of Second Lieutenant, then quickly promoted, with the rest of the JAG officers in his training class, to First Lieutenant.  Shortly after, he was again promoted to Captain Payne, which has a nice ring to it!  But this last November, Ryan was selected to promote to the rank that fits with our name like no other:  Major Payne =) 

Knowing the kids would be old enough to remember this achievement, Ryan planned the traditional promotion ceremony, wanting to include his family in the celebration.  

Uncle Steve and Aunt Vallerie took off work to come celebrate with us!

Talking through the kids' part in the ceremony:

One of Ryan's bosses made some nice remarks about Ryan's career thus far, then the kids and I got to pin on his new rank!

Ryan made some remarks, then we hosted a short reception for his colleagues.  

We're so proud of our Major Payne!!

Everything's Better with Daddy

I get a lot of time with our kids.  A lot.  I love our days together.  But it truly is better when Ryan is around.  And as hard as he works, he makes it a priority to be around as much as possible.  And we love him for it!

The kids love their Daddy breakfast dates!

And sometimes, when I'm playing piano for church and have to go early, we all go together and Ryan finds a way to pass the time . . . =)

Field trip to Fort McHenry

The kids and I are focused on American History this year in school, and we love living close to so many historical sights!  Ryan was able to join us this fall for a trip to Fort McHenry, the fort which inspired Francis Scott Key to write our National Anthem.  We spent time in the small museum where the girls worked on their junior ranger badges.  Then we explored around the fort, ate our picnic lunch, and found a great family climbing tree to finish off a fun family field trip!

The Payne guys are never without a football 

Ending October

Trying to catch up on photos from the end of this year . . .  these were from some fun Fall days:

a nature walk with friends . . . and a football.  Always a football.

Sharing the trampoline with friends is the kids' favorite!

Halloween costumes:

Candy trading was as much fun as trick-or-treating!  There were a lot of superhero girls in our group this year

We spent several Fall afternoons at the Arboretum

We are SO close to being a family of independent readers

Neighbors shared their tickets to a Maryland basketball game.  We took a friend and everyone had a great time!