Military Appreciation at Indian Acres Farm

I have to admit, when I learned we'd be moving to New Jersey I was a little...sad, bummed, worried freaking out because who WANTS to live in Jersey?!

But this last year has proven to be so much better than I can imagine.  Never mind that we are not on the coast, live 15 minutes off the horrible NJTP, had to deal with crazy NJ bureaucracy and didn't get my nursing license for 6 months, are not in Hawaii (ok, that might have been pushing it).  But really, living here on Fort Dix has been a blessing in disguise.

I've been able to work very minimally (very, very, very) while going to school full-time for my graduate degree.  We have met a lot of super nice people here on base, have wonderful neighbors, and teachers who care for Ellie.  My employer has been more than accommodating to my ever crazy schedule due to Dave's hectic traveling schedule. The camaraderie here on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is great (as far as I can tell).

There are many events for us military families and today we went to one.  Indian Acres Tree Farm puts on an annual event in honor of the local military.  We decided to check it out and were glad we did.  Many of the other Coastie families went as well so it was fun seeing all the kiddos out and about.  This place was so set up for kids:  lots of bounce houses, play structures, wagon and tractor rides (which they had to stop mid-way because the girl DID NOT enjoy it...pictures to come), pumpkin patch trips where kids picked out their own (FREE) pumpkin, corn mazes, rock wall climbing, zip lines, free lunch, ice cream, cotton candy, face painting.....I have a feeling we will be back!

Ellie and her buddy Makenna

Happy smile while she was stationary.

You will see that she's already trying to get out as the tractor rounds the corner....2 minutes later, it came to a dead stop.  Oh well, we tried.  ;)

Waiting our turn for the games

So happy to play

Winner, winner!

She knows what she wants.