Big Moments

We have had a couple of big moments recently so I figured a blog post was in order.  Please read on to see pictures from Peter's promotion ceremony and Susannah's first triathlon.  

A couple of weeks ago the girls and I met Peter at his school to be a part of his promotion ceremony.  

Offically becoming a Commander in the US Navy.

The girls were so excited to participate.  Peter presented them with special Dragon challenge coins from his school which was fitting as that is the mascot at George Mason elementary school as well.

And I was presented with some beautiful flowers and really kind words.  

Then it wasstime to pin on the new rank.

All of his girls were so proud.  During the pinning Sarah Avery reached up and just touched Peter's face.  It was such a precious moment.

Ice cream after the ceremony was the perfect way to celebrate. 

Later that weekend we were up early to cheer for Susannah in her first ever triathlon.

SA was proud of her sign. 

Our pool hosted the event and it was really well organized. 

Peter finished just in time to join Sarah Avery and me in the cheering section.  

Susannah swam 50 meters, biked 2 miles and ran .6 miles.  

She smoked the run too. 

And sprinted it out at the end.  

She was so proud of that medal and finished 2nd in her age group.  

It was an awesome family weekend.  

And now we are settled into the school year and enjoying being back into our activities.  Happy Fall to all of you!  We love you and miss you!

New Beginnings

It is back to school season here in Alexandria.  Back to school for the girls and back to school for Peter and me.  Additionally, we celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary and Susannah's baptism.  And Peter bought a car.  Lots of fun changes for the Mallorys!  Here are the pictures.....

Sarah Avery was a little nervous for Meet the Teacher day, but she was excited to find her name on the wall.

Susannah was so excited to meet her teacher......he was a professional football player so all the kids love being in his class.

Peter and I celebrated our 15th anniversary with a sunset sailboat ride on the Potomac.

We had the perfect weather and it was such a fun way to see all of the DC sights.....the Nats stadium and the Capital are behind me in this shot.

It was so fun to enjoy a cocktail and watch the light change as the sun disappeared.

15 years of adventure down and already looking forward to the next 15.  

We were all so excited when Susannah decided to make the Christian faith her own and be baptized.  

Our church is under construction so the baptism took place in this little room.

She was giddy with excitement.

We are so thankful for Pastor Don and Pastor Kim who have loved and taught our family so faithfully.

Ready to go!   They were waiting for the live stream to the sanctuary before they got started.

Our supper club friends hosted a big lunch party for Susannah after the service.  We had so much fun, this is the only picture I took.  :)

Before we knew it, Tuesday morning arrived.   Our kindergartner and our 3rd grader were ready. 

Sarah Avery was nervous, but so brave.

Susannah was only excited.....no nerves for this big 8 year old.

Daddy arranged to be late to his own class so he could walk the girls to school.

Such fun memories.

It was a little bitter sweet knowing that this will be our last year at our beloved George Mason Elementary.

Our real anniversary was also the first day of school so we didn't have much time for a romantic celebration.  But these beautiful flowers did arrive while I was cooking dinner which was such an awesome surprise. 

And the girls had worked so hard on their present to us.  

They even made their own tissue paper in our favorite colors.  ;)

And the sweetest cards ever. 

So thankful for our thoughtful girls.  

Another first is that Sarah Avery is now a fully independent bike rider.

Peter and Susannah are training for a little triathlon at our pool so we have been spending our Saturday mornings at the park.  

Daddy and Susannah bike and then run.

Sarah Avery bikes and Mommy walks.  It is the perfect way to burn some energy and enjoy the sunshine before heading home for football!

Susannah had a birthday party on Saturday night so I took Sarah Avery to spend her birthday money from Grandmama and Jim.  After quite the lengthy deliberation, she opted for this barbie set.  

And that concludes the most recent happening chez Mallory.  We hope all of you are doing well and enjoying a happy and healthy September.  All our love to everybody!