gah

I have no idea how time gets by so quick. I do know that it gets harder and harder to update. I will atempt to upload some photos this weekend.

First Day of Kindergarten

Grace started her new career as a kindergartener today. She got up to her alarm all by herself and turned it off all by herself. She got dressed and had breakfast with her daddy and then all four of us drove her to school. I walked her down to her new classroom where Miss Adams was waiting for her and gave her a kiss goodbye. There were no tears by any party involved and I have witnesses to prove it.

Then we waited. Kindergarten is a much longer day than preschool. OK, really, we went shopping at the outlets but still it was a long wait really it was.

Then came the highlight of the day, waiting for the bus. I won't lie and say it was all wonderful. It was hot and the bus was 30 min late but she made it!

Her first words off the bus, "It was great mom!"

Suprise

Neilson came home Thursday for R&R during his fourth tour in the middle east. The suprise is, he is home for good. You read that right, Neilson isn't home for R&R, he is home for good. As I posted about earlier, he left command of HHC earlier this month and his boss decided to send him home to take command of the rear detachment for 3-8 CAV.

For those who aren't army types, that means he will be in command of a group of soldiers that are left stateside at Fort Hood to assist family members while the unit is deployed.

This reassignment came as a shock to all of us, especially Grace who had to be told several times before she believed it. The good news continues with the realization that Neilson *should* not be deployed for the next few years. He may have to do field exercises or go TDY for short bits but for the most part he will be coming home to his crazy wife and kids every night!

tap tap tap

hear that? i'm impatient.

We Survived

Whew, as of 3AM this morning Neilson is no longer the Company Commander of HHC. What a ride but now on to bigger and better things (I hope!)

Progress

Two summers ago this was Grace at Patton Park Pool. Notice the nervousness, the trepidation, the floaties. The pool, while a fun place to go caused a lot of anxiety for her. Of course these were taken at the end of the season when she was most comfortable. I wish I had digital pictures from the year before which showed sheer terror and severe dislike for the water but alas, I was still on film at that point.

This video is from just a week ago. Three rounds of swimming lessons later. And in my opinion, a summer of gymnastics that built up her self confidence. So without further ado.... I present diving Grace.

Good Bye Hump

Happy Birthday Grandma Kirby

One of the added bonuses of going to Kansas was Grandma Kirby's 99th birthday. Yes, that's right, that good looking lady turned 99 the 3rd of July. We had a birthday party at Roger and Joy's house in Mayetta and there was a good turn out. I was sure to get a photo of Creighton (5th generation) on Grandma's lap (1st generation).

Fire Station

Manhappiness

The Legends and Arthur Bryant's

Pics from Kansas