Sweet Summer Time

Shasta Bound! We embarked on our five hour journey on Sunday around 11:15 from Lindsey and Brian's house. I road down with Kyle and Jenny and we enjoyed the sweet sounds of Dierks Bently and other country favorites to truly kick off the summer mood.We made great time, especially considering that we stopped for Old Navy/Food/Fuel. The necessities :) The first night we were there we loaded all of our belongings onto the house boat, which was beautiful. We spent that night docked at the marina since we had to await our orientation before heading out. Apparently they don't let just anyone drive these things..which is weird because Brian drove us...scary lol only kidding. We truly were the coolest party barge on the lake. We came equip with two jet ski's, the Miss "B" Haven boat, and the infamous three story house boat. Our days were spent mainly enjoying the sun and the company of an amazing family. Unfortunately all of the days some what blend together so you'll have to bare with me. I believe it was Tuesday, Jenny, Lindsey, Jaime and myself performed a beautiful synchronized swimming routine. Lindsey was a very tough coach but judging by our extreme sharp movements and precise timing it was well worth the dedication. Later that day the boys went out on the boat to go wake boarding and what not while all of the girls set up a surprise graduation party for Brian who just finished his MBA. Congratulations Brian!! So proud of you! On Wednesday, after many many 1,2,3 count downs Anna, Lindsey, Jenny and myself got up enough courage to jump from the third story of the house boat. Well correction, Anna was ready to go the second we got up there. It was the rest of us that were a little skeptical. The rest of that day was spent around the table enjoying wonderful food and many laughs. Even though you couldn't be there physically, Lance doesn't mean that you weren't there in spirit. We all talked about you constantly especially about how proud of you we are. It takes a very strong person to go through all of this. You are my hero and I know I can speak for everyone else in that as well. Our count down is on and we can do this. I am SO very blessed to have been able to spend this trip with such a fantastic family. I feel so much closer to all of you guys and I wouldn't have it any other way. You guys are by far the best support system I could ever have and I love you all to pieces. I just hope that I can give the same support in return.

Mississippi!

An early Friday morning full of many hours of traveling came to a wonderful end when I finally landed in Mississippi. I felt so blessed to actually be able to see Lance and couldn't believe that the time had actually come. Upon arrival we went to pick up our rental car, which was a Toyota Yaris, we did not blend in, we most definitely looked like tourists. You could easily travel Europe in that thing on one tank of gas.

I got to go onto base with Lance and see where he was staying and got a visual of exactly what kind of stuff he was doing. Base is a lot bigger than I had imagined which put me at ease a little bit. Just so you all know it's quite different than the movies ha. Later that night we met up with another couple and went out to a steak house for dinner and then got situated for the night. Saturday we woke up early and started our adventure to New Orleans with another couple. We had lunch at the House of Blues and enjoyed the sights. There was a horse and carriage ride that went around touring the French Quarter and we learned so much about down town New Orleans. All of the buildings are exactly the same as they were when Napolean stayed in there! Very educational. We left New Orleans Sunday morning and had a wonderful day together, we went to lunch, to a movie, and then to the outlet malls. The weekend was very laid back which was exactly what we both needed, just enjoying each others company. Now we're both back to our usual schedules and Lance is off to field training for about three weeks. This is where he prepares for similar things that he will be doing over seas.

BBQ's and Baby Steps

Well we've knocked down another two weeks and now the time is near for my trip to Mississippi. I'll be flying out in a little less than two weeks to go visit for Memorial Day weekend. This time can honestly not get here soon enough, everything was going rather fast until I realized that we had reached the two week point! But I am staying very busy with work and school as always and Lance has a series of classes next week which will keep him busy as well. Saturday was a lovely day I spent the early afternoon long boarding with my sister all around Albany, then i went to visit with my mom for quite a while and finished the evening off with a wonderful BBQ with all of the brothers and sisters :) We all arrived at Jaime's around 5:30

and the weather was perfect. It wasn't too bright meaning sun glasses weren't a necessity and it wasn't cold so summer clothes were able to be broken out. We all enjoyed dinner while watching Miss Bria truck around on her own two feet. It's crazy to think that two weeks ago when I babysat her that we spun in circles and now she's walking all on her own. Jaidyn had a soccer game Saturday as well and they won! Brian showed off his stunting moves with Cassidy and Abby, I managed to get a glimpse of it in a picture. I can't thank all of you enough for keeping me involved, it has helped so much, I told you I just can't manage to stay away from you all :) We love you Lance! See you soon.

Jaime made Fun-fetti cookies just for you!! She knows you love them!


The ladies...


annnd the gentlemen.

Hellooooo

Hey everyone, I decided to help inform you guys a little bit about what i have been up to herein gulfport! Its been a little over a month since i first arrived here so i'll try and give an overview of what i have been up to. My first week here was death by powerpoint. The navy seems to have a strong belief that we love sitting in classrooms while someone goes through slides reading them to us. For me, i hate it ha. It took about a week to get processed in and get us all switched to active duty instead of reservists. The second week we started classes, again a whole lot of powerpoints and one practical application and the end of the week is normally how it goes. There are M16 rifle classes, combat skills, buiding classes etc. In my M16 class i got expert which is the highest level you can get so next time the brothers and i go shooting we'll see who shoots best haha. I have been trying to keep myself occupied because it makes this dry time in gulfport go by just a little quicker. We work six days a week and get saturday night and sundays off. however we are restricted to fifty miles from base so no New Orleans for me, sadly enough. A lot of early mornings and long days so far and i dont see that schedule changing until i come home ha. Luckily i have been able to talk to kayla so we don't feel too disconnected, and being able to talk to the family has been great and helps keep my spirits up. Im sorry i can't keep in touch more! I will try my hardest to call on the weekends. I appreciate the care packages you guys have put together and i can't wait to get them! Thank you guys for all of the support it means a lot to me! Ill try and update this whenever i get a chance. Love you all!

Care Packages and Cookies

Well we've made it through another week by staying busy as usual. Lance had several different classes and was named an expert shooter :). Friday night I had dinner at the Tegner's. Jenny and I managed to make some very delicious hamburgers and Kyle was an expert on the grill. Alicia and Randy are taking Porter on his first camping trip with them this weekend! I'm excited for an update on that. Today Jaidyn and Kailey had soccer games and I went over to Anna and Steve's and made cookies. Steve was a pro cookie taster. Anna, Cassidy, Abby, Lindsey, Bria and I made chocolate chip with reese's cookies and Anna made some delicious no-bake cookies. Those are just some of the things we will be putting in his care package. We've started to adjust a little bit more to him being away, it still gets to us from time to time but I am just so proud of him for being so strong. Only nine..ish more months to go!

First Month Down

So far Lance has been gone in Mississippi for one month working on all sorts of training. The weather has been hot and humid but they were some what blessed with a down pour recently. His big golden birthday/21er was just celebrated! A direct quote from Lindsey was "goodness, I just can't believe he's old enough to go out to the bars." :) Don't worry he's safe. Spring has finally sprung and it's making the days go by just a little bit faster. We all miss you Lance and we will make sure you get more detailed updates soon. As long as we get some back :)