Operation Spirit

Today was a program called Operation Spirit. It is a mini deployment for the kids so that they can see and understand the process that their dads(or moms) go on. It was a really great program. I was glad to go so that I could see what happens too.

They went through their "outprocessing" line where they received their ID cards(which Jake was so excited about, he can't wait to turn 10 and get a real military ID card!) They got their dog tags(which were very close to real with their name and birth date and place on them), their uniforms, power of attorney, immunizations, talked to the Chaplin(where were you Papa?), and then they were on their way.

They took a bus ride to the flightline where they boarded a C130 cargo plane for their trip to "Balad". They got strapped in and got their ear plugs in. The pilots closed the doors and they "flew" to Balad, Iraq.

After they returned home from their deployment a group of soldiers were there to greet them and then show them all of the different planes we have on base. We got to walk around and under the B2 (which we have never been able to before, we always had to stay in a roped off area). The B2s are amazing!

Then they received their awards for their safe and successful deployment.

Jake said that his award was for saving the country. What a hero!

Then they got their face painted like real soldiers.

Sat in Humvees.Watched a military dog attack a "bad" guy. A little scary if you asked me!

Drove Explosive Ordinance robots.

Then finally collapsed in their tent for a nap. We had a great day. It was so great for the kids to see all the different sides of the deployment process. Jake even liked the MREs. Maybe we have some soldiers in training!

We Finally Have Internet Again!

So we got the key to move into the house on Monday, Curtis had to work, so I moved the kitchen on Monday. Curtis took off Tuesday and Wednesday. He rounded up the firefighters on Tuesday and about 12 of them came out on Tuesday to load the Uhaul. It took 2 huge loads and about 6 hours. So I spent Wednesday and Thursday unpacking and organizing. Our cable guy came Wednesday to set up tv and Internet, but of course my computer wasn't unpacked yet, so he left without actually getting the computer to work. So he had to come back today to set up the Internet. I have felt a little lost without the Internet or phone(vonage). We had our cell phones but couldn't find the chargers for 2 days. I guess I wasn't meant to live before the conveniences of today! But anyways, we are in and slowly getting organized.

Another Caleb Mishap

Well, he did it again.

He was rollerskating in the kitchen when he lost his balance and grabbed for something to hold on to. He grabbed the bench which didn't help his situation. So he slid under the bench but somehow pulled the bench up and dropped it on his face. It left a nice gash between his eyes and a huge bruise on his eye and forehead. It was nothing Emergency Room worthy (which is fortunate, since they seem to know Caleb on a first name basis!), but still a little scary. Maybe it will teach him not to rollerskate in the house, nah, probably not.

Our New House

Our new house on base is finally finished for us to move into. We have been here almost 2 years and were supposed to move in 18 months ago. It is a duplex, much like most base housing.

This is the kitchen. It has tons of storage space compared to our old kitchen. Now I won't have to store all my kitchen things in the basement anymore.

This is our garage. Jacob's favorite part of the new house is the storm shelter inside of the garage. If you know Jacob, this is a HUGE concern for him. He is a little nervous about tornados. As soon as he hears a siren, he goes a little crazy. He might actually ask to sleep in the shelter from March to July!

One of my favorite things is a laundry room. It will be nice not to have to go into the basement to do laundry. I will also be setting up my sewing machine there.

Megan's favorite part is the stairs. She has mastered them already in the hour that we toured the house. She makes me nervous, but I know I have to just let go and let her do it!

We will move in on Monday, April 21st. So from here til then, I will be packing and organizing. And since they are tearing down our old house, I don't have to clean it at all. What a relief!

Jake's Field Trip

Yesterday was Jacob's field trip for school. They went to Science City in Kansas City. It is an interactive children's science museum. I was one of the chaperones. We had lots of fun. My group of boys was very busy. They kept me moving. By the time we came home, I felt like I had run a marathon. But we had a great time and saw lots of neat things....I even learned a little science!

Our Fishing Trip

The other day we went with some friend to Truman Lake. Our first stop was the local fish hatchery. They had a cute kid-friendly museum and aquarium.

Then the children were allowed to go out and fish in a stocked pond. There were lots of bites but we only caught 8 fish between the three families.

Nick was our superstar! He caught 2 fish.

Jake was going for the big catfish!

After fishing we went out to the lake and went out on the boat. We played at a muddy park, fell and got muddy. We had accidents in our pants, and spilled drinks all over ourselves. Megan even shoved too much food in her mouth and threw up! By the end of the afternoon, we had had enough excitement and decided to head home for the day, cranky, but with good memories(and two fish in the freezer!)

The 2nd Grade Musical

Last night was Jacob's grades musical performance and art show. They did a little story about a bunny that would not hop. It was a cute performance. Jake did great. We took this picture after the show, since Caleb and Megan were keeping me a little busy during the show!! It is a cute picture but he is going to hate it in a few years when it is no longer cool to wear bunny ears in public!