blah-di-family

Merry Christmas Josh!

2009-12-25T13:33:00.000-08:00

Here we are wishing you a Merry Christmas (yesterday)/ We are at Uncle Brad's. We are about to sit down to have tamales, enchiladas, beans, sopa, etc. etc. Em and family are in LA. Love you.

Christmas Eve Eve and Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T18:50:00.000-08:00

Tonight Steph and Jordan are making gingerbread men, women, and assorted people. They are being quite creative. Steph wanted to make the gingerbread men so the kids could decorate the cookies when they come over later. These two are really into it so who know what will be left to decorate. They are becoming quite possessive of their creations.

Last night Julian and Feli sold hot cider on our corner. An A-D reporter happened to be in the neighborhood writing an article on all the Christmas lights. He interviewed Julian. Part of the interview made the front page today!

Redeployment

2009-11-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

This is how the FRG families at Ft. Drum have decorated the fence for when C-Troop, CAV 3-71 redeploys. Gives a snapshot of Drum at this time of year. There will probably be snow on the ground by the time Josh gets back there!

After the Harvest

2009-10-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

More of that day.

Pumpkin Harvest

2009-10-31T11:53:00.001-07:00

Julian and Xan harvested the pumpkins. They each took one home. They took one for each of their sisters, too. Julian picked out the best shaped and sized pumpkin so we can send it to Josh! Guess if Josh doesn't carve it he can use it for target practice!

9/11 Freedom Walk

2009-10-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

The BSM organized the 9/11 Freedom Walk. Winship-Robbins kids say American the Beautiful.

Cousins

2009-10-31T11:43:00.000-07:00

I don't remember why they were here but they were! No, this is at their house. Don't remember why we were there but these are cute pictures. Or pictures of cuties. Whatever....enjoy!

Dates for redeployment

2009-10-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

The FRG website is talking about redeployment! Sometime in December. There are little airplanes on one of their pages. The caption is "click for flight times and roster". Naturally, there is no information yet.

New, bigger, better yellow ribbon

2009-09-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

This yellow ribbon was made by my friend Jody. She is THE bow-maker! She made two and broght them to bunco last night. Val took the other one home to put on a second tree in her yard.

Yellow Ribbon

2009-08-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

One of my neighbors had asked me months ago when was Josh going to be deployed. I said when you see a yellow ribbon on my lamp post that means he is deployed. When the ribbon is red, white, and blue that means he is back! Cannot wait to change it!

Yes, I know this cactus is too large. Just don't know how to get it out sticking myself.

My garden

2009-08-26T20:59:00.001-07:00

This is looking at the tomatoes then the pumpkins (which really cannot be seen) toward the house.
This one looks ready. It is too early. Hope it keeps
Here is a really green one. This plant is a volunteer way out where I had some volunteers last year!
If you look carefully, you can see a green pumpkin in the foreground and the orange one just a bit back. I think they are from the same plant! Strange
This is looking from the house to the pumpkin patch. I planted 3 hills from a pumpkin I grew last year. That pumpkin grew from seeds of one that Feliciana grew at her house the year before!

Back to San Diego

2009-08-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

Jordan's stuff packed up and ready to put into his pick-up for the trip back to school in San Diego.
Of course, he has to take his skim board!
A few snacks and his Sutter County ice chest. A cardboard box lined with foil and insulated with newspaper. He did not want to take an ice chest so I improvised. He took some frozen food and snacks.

Have a safe trip. He did.

Water Slide

2009-08-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, he is tall enough for this water slide. And, yes, he knows the rules. He just wants to slide!
After climbing up, he is ready to slide.
Here he comes for the splash down!
Swimming to the ladder to get out.
Out he comes. He was ready to go again and again and again...

Swimming in Davis

2009-08-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

I took Julian and Feliciana to Davis one Sunday. We went with Em and kids to the local pool. It is a beautiful pool. Lots of grass and shade. It has a diving pool, a zero-entry pool, and a large general swimming pool. That pool has laps roped off for lap swimmers and a water slide area!
Velia didn't get in the water this day. She relaxed on the blanket
Velia started fussing so Julian held her while trying to eat his dinner. What a cousin!

Davis

2009-08-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

Went to Davis to pick up Nonnie. Got a few pictures while I was there.

This is the only picture I have of the siblings together.

Such a cutie.

Visitors from Davis

2009-06-17T09:08:00.001-07:00

Here is Xan coloring with the morning sunlight.
We made a morning cake today. He is eating crumbs as we are tryng to take the picture.

Memorial Day Weekend in YC

2009-06-05T21:12:00.002-07:00

Velia at 4 1/2 months. The youngest of the family...
Dressed in my Blue Star Mom stuff for the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Sutter Cemetery.
A Blue Star Cousin!
Bill and the kids swimming.
The other family visiting and eating.

Mother's Day Boquet

2009-06-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

These are the flowers Josh sent to me for Mother's Day.

Mother's Day Boquet

2009-06-05T21:06:00.001-07:00

This is the boquet Josh sent to me for Mother's Day. Her is Kitty checking them out.

Red tulips planted by Xan and Aunt Diane!

2009-03-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

These are some of the 100 tulip bulbs Xan and I planted the day Velia was born. That little bud will be a beautiful red tulip in 4 or 5 days. Xan-we will have to walk carefully around the yard and count the red tulips that have bloomed. We need to walk carefully so we do not step on any of the growing tulips. Did you know that one year Nonnie helped me plant bulbs? She sure did. I don't remember if they were tulip bubls or daffodil bulbs. Maybe Nonnie remembers. Ask her.

This just shows a larger bud. The previous little bud is in the tulip on the right. Xan-we will have to count again on Wednesday to see if any more tulips bloomed overnight!
This picture shows several more tulips is various stages. Xan- I hope some of these bloom and open before you get here. We will need to pick the snails up from around the tulips. There are not too many snails but we have to be ready to pick up any we see. The best time to find them is early in the morning. We will go out and look before I go to work for the day. What could we carry with us to put the snails in? Hmm, a bag? a bucket? a box?

What shall we do with them? Think about that. I do not want them in the yard anywhere. Talk with Mommy and Daddy to try to figure something out. I have a few ideas that involve stomping, smashing, and/or throwing!
This is one of two that have the largest flower. Neither one is open yet. Some tulip bulbs I have planted in the past were a bright red. I hope that when these do open the red will be brighter.

Birthday brunch in random order-just for the pics

2009-03-03T06:57:00.001-08:00

Amaryllis

2009-01-19T21:17:00.001-08:00

I received an amaryllis from Carlie at Christmas. It bloomed!
It had one bloom, then two, then three. The first bloom is fading but a fourth bloom is starting. It is just beautiful

Fire bowl and firemen

2009-01-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

Santa brought a fire bowl to us for Christmas. We tried it out tonight. We used a presto log for the fire since we don't have firewood around the house.
We had family over for 'smores. Plus, it was Jordan's last night before heading back to
San Diego. He could see some family before leaving. They came over about 4:30 so we could still see what we were doing. As the marshmellows were roasting, we realized that they were probably getting full of chemicals. They would turn gray instead of golden. Decided to use firewood for the next fire.
When we were done, Jordan blew out the flame but it kept smoking. He and I sat down to dinner about 6. I looked out to check on the fire bowl. Couldn't see a thing in the dark which was a good sign-no fire. So I thought! At 6:45 3 firemen and their big fire truck pulled up to our house! They had a call about smoke and were driving around the neighborhood. They figured out the smoke was from us so they came to the door. One said to use wood next time because the presto logs smoke so much. Not to worry, we definitely will!

Skating in the buttes

2009-01-19T20:53:00.000-08:00

Skating

2009-01-19T20:48:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Velia Anne

2009-01-14T19:22:00.001-08:00

After "Stomp"

2009-01-13T05:57:00.001-08:00

After the show, we walked the few blocks to Mikunis. I had whatever, Jordan had the "roll" platter, Steph and Marcus had some vegetarian dish. Jordan's was the best! I am having that next time.
Steph and Marcus after dinner.
Jordan, Steph and me after dinner. Next we walked to the parking garage at 17th and L. Then we were taking Steph and Marcus to the Amtrak so the could get back to Berkeley.

More New Year's pictures

2009-01-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

New Year's in Davis

2009-01-01T12:15:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day

2009-01-01T12:13:00.001-08:00

Here is one that shows Matt!
Steph and Shelene opening presents.

After Christmas Dinner/Lunch

2009-01-01T11:56:00.000-08:00

After our tamale lunch, Feliciana and Julian handed out presents to the aunts, uncles, cousins, and Huela.
Jordan, Juanita, and Micheal.
Aunt Julie pointing at something interesting. Matt is behind her, then Aunt Sharon, Uncle Brad, Carlie (Chris' fiance), Chris, Hue, and a bit of Julian's arm. Chris and Carly were getting ready to go to (another) lunch at her parent's house in Yuba City. Prime rib lunch!
Some of the same folks from another angle.
Same folks again from another angle. Matt is still hidden! Rats, he is one of the biggest and cutest cousins.

Early Christmas Morning

2009-01-01T11:48:00.001-08:00

Huela opening a present.

Steph handing out presents.
Jordan and Huela.
Jordan and Steph checking out what is in their Christmas stockings. That other one hanging up looking empty (because it was) is Josh's. I sent his presents to Fort Drum as soon as I knew he wasn't coming home for Christmas. He said the presents (or at least a box) got to Drum but not to him yet. That was Christmas Eve day sometime. So, I hope he has them by now.
More of the same.

Just a regular day

2008-12-24T21:13:00.001-08:00

I went to Davis last week to visit. Turns out Em had a hair appointment and Jordan was flying into Sac that evening. I stayed for the afternoon, had dinner with the family and Em's friend Barbara. During the dinner preparation, Xan needed a pan and lid. Since the lids to these pans were glass, Bill gave him some foil as a lid.
Well, you can see what the boys did with the foil lid. Meanwhile back in the kitchen, Em and Bill prepared pasta, salad, and garlic bread. We had some wine and water with dinner. It was delicious.

Xan in his toddler bed. Jordan's 7:10 flight ended up being an 8:35 flight or sometime there abouts. I was able to stay through Xan's bedtime. He goes to bed so sweetly. Then, I was off to the airport. It is an easy 20 minute drive from their home in Davis. Plus, coming soon at that freeway exit in Woodland ---an In-N-Out Burger! Terminal A now has a cell phone parking lot. People park there, wait for a call to say the party they are picking up is at the curb, then drive another l minute to the curb. Great place to wait instead of circling around Terminal A for umpteem times.

Xan opening his presents

2008-12-24T21:06:00.001-08:00

He was serious about opening his presents. Not in a hurry. I didn't take any pictures of him with the presents after they were opened! One was a hooded sweatshirt with a bulldozer on it. The other was a Tonka bulldozer!

Xmas in Davis

2008-12-24T21:01:00.000-08:00

Xan is enjoying his candy cane at the table.
Em and Steph on the couch watching Jordan and Bill play Gobblet! or some such game
The Hill-Ristenpart family in front of their Xmas tree. This is in their new home in Davis
Same as previous but this picture includes Huela.

The important Xmas decorations

2008-12-24T20:46:00.000-08:00

Steph came home yesterday. I really do count on her to help me with lots of different things. She and Jordan got right to the important things after we got home from Davis on Xmas Eve. What helpers they are!

Snow on the Sutter Buttes

2008-12-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

It snowed here on Dec. 15. I took these on my way home from work. I went on this road to get these pictures. It snowed about 8:20 a.m. until 8:35 a.m. and did not stick. Most of the kids were on the playground. The ones that were inside eating breakfast were suddenly out on the playground. Everyone was excited. The flakes were big and wet. Melted as soon as they hit. Of course, the buttes are said to have their own climate not the same as the valley floor. The picture was taken about 3:00 p.m. The snow was there overnight.

Xmas tree

2008-12-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

Since Josh won't be home for Christmas, I am decorating a Christmas tree in his honor. This is just the start. I put all the ornaments on one side to take the picture. Now I have to redistribute these and make more. When Steph gets home (tomorrow) I am counting on her to have some brilliant ideas. I still need to get some lights to put on it. Maybe all white, what do you think? Think I will go see the recruiters and see what sort of freebies they have that would work for my purpose. Merry Christmas.

Starting to decorate for Xmas

2008-12-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

I have put up the Nativity scene and the Christmas carolers on the corner yard. I have new LED lights on the fence and around the garage doors. Cannot see them here. It was soooo cold out there, I did not take any more pictures.
I have only lights on the tree for now. This is without a flash. Jordan got the tree down from the attic when he was home for Thanksgiving. He did not get down the decorations or tree skirt! I managed.

This is with a flash. I can see holes in it now. I need to put on the ornaments. That could help hide the holes. I will do that tomorrow. I am baking cookies to get in the mail this week. If you get cookies and don't want them.....share with someone.

Pumpkin carving in Davis!

2008-12-07T19:04:00.001-08:00

Steph and Aunt Julie beginning to carve.
Xan getting a few pointers from Josh.
Watching how Julian carves his design.
Now, watching Feli and her creation. Xan did get to carve but I was helping him so I did not get a picture of him carving. Rats!
Finished products. And some not even started.
Dinner after carving. Steph rode the train to Davis just for this occasion.

San Diego

2008-12-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

The restaurant where were ate lune.
On Saturday, we took the Land and Seal Tour. The bus that takes you into the bay. It was a beautiful day. The water was very blue. We saw seals, Navy jets, fishermen, and other attractions.
This is Belinda's family. L-R Abel, Jordan, Steph, Juan, Hannah and Josh. Gabriel was at a weekend camp. Kathy was here, too.
Josh skim boarding!
The day after skim boarding. This was Sunday. Kathy offered us her condo instead of hanging around the hotel. It was perfect. Josh could get comfortable on her couch and in her home. Great idea, Kathy. Thanks so much.

San Diego October 2008

2008-12-07T18:38:00.001-08:00

This was Saturday at the beach in Oceanside. Belinda and her family met us and Kathy there in the afternoon.

On Friday, Josh, Steph and I had lunch in Old Town and did the walking tour.
Josh and Step after lunch. This was a good Mexican restaurant. We ate on the patio. Then, went shopping/site seeing in Old Town.

2008-09-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

In July, Em, Xan, Huela, and I went to the galleria in Roseville. This is the children's play area.

Xan is trying to find his shoes. Some kids would just throw their shoes near a cubby. If one made it in and the other didn't, so what. But Xan had to "match" all the pairs and then get his out.

2008-09-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures of when Josh was here in June.

Family pictures

2008-08-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

Aunt Sue, Josh, and Grandma.
Aunt Sue, Diane, Josh, Grandma
The Hilberts!

Uncle Roy's service at the cemetary

2008-08-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

Some of Uncle Roy's friends, Josh and Dave.
Josh at his funeral duty.
Dave and Josh folding the flag.
Josh presenting the colors to Dorothy.

Josh and Dorothy.

After Uncle Roy's funeral service

2008-08-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

The kids together.
Dawn and Eric. Hpe I remembered his name correctly.
Terri, Tina, and Steph.
The cousins.
Steph and Grandma.

Graduation Cake and Presents with Brad

2008-08-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

Buddies with a grad cake. Um, good.

Buddies with grad presents! Even better!

Jordan's graduation

2008-08-02T17:16:00.001-07:00

After graduation-family pictures.
Before graduation, traditional place for a grad picture in our yard.
Walking in...

Cleaning house

2008-07-07T19:53:00.001-07:00

Helping......mama vacuum.

Wind blew fort apart.

2008-07-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

No more pictures of the fort until it is rebuilt. Big wind came up and blew it apart. It is salvageable, though.

Swing!

2008-07-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

Enjoying his swing.
Hard to tell but he has a pleased look on his face.
How many men does it take to strap a 2 yr old into his new swing? It only took 2 but the aunt had to tell them how/where to put the straps!
Could not get a good picture that wasn't blurry.

2008-07-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

The boys built a fort this morning out of a large cardboard box. More pictures of it tomorrow. Don't know who had more fun....the big boy or the little boy. They sure did use the duct tape though. After building, they decorated. Xan even drew on the inside.

2008-07-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

Jordan and Xan coloring on their fort.

Josh

2008-04-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

Josh called tonight. He and some buddies were in Watertown at a bar. They had played pool at one place and were going to another. He is leaving Sunday for a month of training at another post. The rest of the brigade is leaving Monday. He is going early to help get things set up. Don't really know what that means. I think it shows that he is smart, capable, and responsible. But we all knew that already! I have to get in the habit of getting on Skype in the mornings from 6:30 to 7:30 (my time) That is when he is done with PT and we can chat. He sounded good. It was good to hear his voice. When he is gone for the month there will be no communication. So he says.

Track and Field

2008-04-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

Jordan is only doing field events this year. Here he is throwing the shot put.
His distance is marked by number 4. He did pretty well at Winters High School
He also throws the discus. You can see the blue discus just as he releases in this picture.

2008-04-14T19:41:00.001-07:00

Chatted with Josh last weekend. He is off to more training next month. He has leave from July 11 to August 1. Now to make plans. What to do? Any suggestions? He told Jordan that the snow has melted, he can see the ground, but that day it was raining.

Northern Section Champ!

2008-02-20T22:06:00.001-08:00

Here he is as the Northern Section Champ! This was on February 16 in Gridley. Out of 14 wrestlers on a team, Sutter is sending 13 to the Masters in Redding February 21 and 22. Jordan is the 154 lb. champ. The Appeal-Democrat had a picture of 6 of the champs (4 from Sutter) and article about the tournament. His picture was one of those in the paper. Check it out online.http://www.advarsitysports.com/sports/finals_510___article.xml/won_nevarez.html

BVL Champ and MVP!

2008-02-20T21:43:00.001-08:00

Jordan was first place in the 154 lb. weight class for the Butte View League! He wrestled Saturday, February 9 in Winters. His final match with the Gridley wrestler turned out to be the match of the day! Everyone was watching and cheering for him (except the Gridley folks). He won 9-5 or something close to that. He was also voted by the coaches as MVP! Quite an honor. He has worked and trained hard all season. This is a great and well-earned accomplishment.

Wall of Honor

2008-02-02T07:14:00.000-08:00

This is the current wall at SUHS. Way back in November, I asked the principal if I could put up a Wall of Honor at the school. After asking around about grads that are in the military and getting pictures and information about them, I started putting the pics and info on these pieces of foam backing. Yesterday (Friday) the librarian cleared off one of her walls and helped to put this up. By Monday, I hope to have 3 more pictures to put up. There is a community meeting in the library that night and the librarian is anxious for that group to see the Wall.
Josh, the librarian is Alyssa's grandma. I did not know that. Alyssa is getting ready to transfer from Butte to Chico. One of the young gals that works in the office knew who I was but didn't realize you were in the Army. She had seen the Army sticker on the car. She is Jen, the girl who used to give you a ride to school when you missed the bus!

Movie Day

2008-01-17T15:52:00.000-08:00

Today Julian came with me while I gave blood. He did his homework there and we both had a snack. We are home now. We have to go out to pick up more branches from the fierce wind the other night. Then, we are going to watch Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I have never seen that movie. He has seen it. I have not read the book, either. But, he has.

Wall of Honor

2008-01-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

The principal of Sutter said I could put up a wall of honor. It will be a section in the school office that has pictures of Sutter grads that are currently serving in the military. All I need now is a 5x7 of Josh-portrait layout-to include on the wall. I have a couple but they are not portrait layout. If anyone has a picture of him in one of his uniforms, please email it to me and I will see if I can use it.

Julian's 9th birthday party

2007-11-18T19:38:00.000-08:00

What is a party without the pinata?
Mission accomplished!
Jordan and Uncle Brad working the rope.

Uncle Brad and Aunt Sharon's mode of transportation to and from the party.

#1 Volleyball Fan

2007-11-17T15:37:00.000-08:00

Jordan is the #1 volleyball fan. The girls on the team make a special shirt for him to wear. They shred the sleeves and hem. They decorate it front and back and sign their names and numbers on it. I have never seen him in action but from what I hear he gets the crowd charged up and cheering. Today the volleyball team has their championship game in Redding. He has to wear the shirt and sport the football cut mohawk (see next post) until after the football championship game.

Play off football game

2007-11-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

The team decided to have matching hair cuts for the day of the game. Here is Jordan's mohawk before going to school Friday morning.
Here he is after the 24-15 win over Yreka. Sutter is 11-0. Now, on to the Championship game on Wednesday night!

Veterans Day Parade

2007-11-17T15:24:00.001-08:00

This is the Blue Star Moms float. Of the 4 men on the float, the 2 in dark shirts are veterans of Viet Nam and Blue Star Dads. The other 2 are currently in the military. The others (not on the float) are Blue Star Moms and Dads. We walked along side the float with out "Soldiers on a Stick" passing our candy. Jordan came to watch. The parade lasted about an hour for the spectators. As marchers it was only 30 minutes or so.

Soldier on a Stick

2007-11-10T14:04:00.000-08:00

The Blue Star Moms are marching in the Veterans Day Parade tomorrow. I did not have a "Soldier on a Stick". I made it this morning. This is what we carry as we are in the parade. I think we are also handing (cannot throw) out candy! I will post some parade pictures after the parade.

A Star is Born!

2007-10-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

Julian called last night to say he had tried out for a part in A Christmas Story. He got the part of Randy, the little brother. Congratulations, Julian. He said to come to the first performance. The performances will be the first 3 weekends in December. Should be fun.

Jordan's birthday

2007-10-24T20:19:00.001-07:00

I did take pictures! This is after the ice cream cake. Pirates fighting in the kitchen!
Same pirates but some adjustments are necessary after all that fighting!
Before the hostility, we all had mint chip ice cream chocolate cake. Happy 18th!

More under-8 soccer

2007-10-24T20:02:00.001-07:00

These are very recent. Just last Saturday, Oct. 20. This is the game they won and she got her foot on the ball a couple of times. Way to go, Feli.

Julian's acting

2007-10-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

Julian took a series of acting classes. They gave a performance at the end of the series. Here he is reporting to Joe Friday the theft of the clapper from his copper bell.
I do not remember all the details but the clapper was stolen from his copper bell by Clyde, the kleptomaniac from Cleveland. There was a cleaning lady involved. When it was all said and done, Clyde was to get clobbered. You get the drift. It was hilarious and Julian was magnificent. He seems to be a natural. His voice is crystal clear and carries though out the venue. The theater on B Street.

This was another skit. This is at the end. All these people get knocked down by the cleaning lady that was mopping.

Julian has just been bumped by the cleaning lady's mop. You can see part of her on the left.Then, he crashes to the floor. It was a great slap-stick skit.

Fall Birthdays

2007-10-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

Aunt Julie opening her gifts.
Aunt Sharon and Shelene opening theirs.
We were at the Barkley-Brinson's house for this party. I neglected to take any pictures of the birthday boy-Jordan. Here he is in the background. We did have an ice cream cake for him at our house on the night of his birthday. Still didn't take pictures then.

Visit to Steph

2007-10-24T19:08:00.001-07:00

We went to see Steph one Sunday. Here Julian is reading "brain quest" questions to Steph and Jordan.
He is getting a kick out of their fierce competition.
Looks like Steph is making a point. And perhaps, Jordan does not agree?

Soccer Under-8's

2007-10-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here is Feliciana playing soccer. She is on the Thunder-somethings.
Her team won this game. She actually kicked the ball a few times.

Friday Night Lights

2007-10-24T18:55:00.001-07:00

Jordan and Maggie at the first game. She went to college in Oregon the next week.

Jordan and mom after the game. Sutter won by a whole bunch. At this posting, they have 1 league game left. They are 8-0. Jordan is the starting left tackle. He plays every game. He has worked very hard this season to earn the starting spot. Good job, honey.

Annual Family Camping Trip

2007-10-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Julian and Feli doing something. I think it was dinner-time.
After dinner. Around the campfire. We stayed at a different campground. It was Chapman Creek Campground. It was a great place. Once they all go there. Julie and family had flat tires. Chris and Merrilee had a broken down motorhome and ended up camping at their mechanics for a couple of nights. Days they spent in the campground.
We spent one day at Graeagle. Here the kids are enjoying the pond that is in town.
Julie and the kids on their way back from shopping in the stores of Graeagle
When we weren't sitting around the camp/campfire, we were changing tires on the tent trailer! All of them(2) and the spare are brand new. So once again, if one goes flat, the others will not be far behind.
We learned several things from this trip. Trailer/RV supply places/mechanics are closed on Sundays. Take everything YOU might need, if someone in your party fails to show up for any unforeseen reason. We had doled out supplies/food to bring. Julie had the meat for dinner but Merrilee had the BBQ! Hot dogs that night cooked over the fire! Oh, yea, it is called camping, huh?

Moving Steph to Berkeley

2007-10-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

We got a great parking place just a block from her apt. 2 spaces, too! We drove from YC to Roseville to get Eric's stuff. She packed the trailer and tied down all the stuff. It did not move one little bit.

Off to Fort Drum-July 17, 2007

2007-10-24T17:59:00.001-07:00

Josh flew on Southwest from Sac to Las Vegas to Boston to Watertown, if I am remembering correctly.But since he was in his BDU's, he was bumped to first class.

I was remiss in my picture taking. I only took these 3 photos. Next time I will take more. I only put up 2.

Trip to Little Grass Valley Resevoir

2007-10-24T17:14:00.001-07:00

We (Aunt Julie, Shelene, Feli, Julian, Steph, Josh, and I) took the little trailer and kayak up here for the Winship Women in the Woods Annual Camping Trip. We spent the day swimming, kayaking, playing, reading, napping, snacking, sunning, and all that summer-time stuff. Jordan was at wrestling camp. That is why he wasn't and hasn't ever been there.

Summertime

2007-10-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

We had a get together when Josh got home from BCT and AIT. We had family over to eat...
and visit....
and swim.
Josh obliged us by putting on his BDU's for a photo op. Thanks.

Practicing

2007-10-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

Just practicing getting to this site. It has been so long I almost forgot how. Now that I remember my password, I can post on Josh's blog.

Family pictures

2007-08-13T18:18:00.001-07:00

Feli's pumpkins

2007-08-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

Feliciana planted one or two seeds. She now has 9 pumpkins!

Family pictures-July 4th

2007-08-12T14:44:00.000-07:00

Patton Museum and Ft. Knox Depository-July 4th

2007-08-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

A group shot at the gate leading to the grounds where the museum is located.
Are we all ready to go inside the museum?
Well, come on then...
This is how some of the Soldiers get their message out.
We did not take this exit, since the public is not allowed any where near Ft. Knox Depository and the road is still quite a distance from the builing. We took these pictures from the freeway.
Here is where all the gold is kept. See those lights. The same type of lights are on the freeway near the exit. Huge flood-light type lights. They could light up a really big area if needed.

This is about as close as we could get. Notice the double fencing and large empty field between fences.

Sight seeing in Kentucky on July 3rd

2007-08-12T11:12:00.001-07:00

Here we are early on Tuesday. We are setting out to drive 50 miles south of Elizabethtown to the Mammoth Caves.
Not a very exciting picture without one of our family members but Steph took this for us because I wanted it. Thanks, honey.
Huela and Julian walking down the incline that leads to a bridge that leads to the path that leads to the steep set of steps that leads to the entrance of one of the caves. Julian was very considerate about escorting and helping Huela on this adventure to the caves. At other times, he was the go-to- guy when Hue needed a bit of help in or out of the van. Way to go Julian!
Cousins (and siblings) posing for a shot on the path to an entrance to Mammoth Caves. Thanks.
Here they are walking down the path that leads to one cave entrance.
Here is a group shot down in the caves.
Getting settled in for the ride back to Elizabethtown. We had eaten lunch in the car. Somebody went somewere (bathroom?) and we moved the van into the shade to eat. We didn't even think of that somebody (either Aunt Julie or Steph) but they managed to find us. We had a good laugh out of that. Later this same day we drove onto post to "find" the theater. Some of the Sgts. found us but we didn't give 'em any info on our Soldier! After that, Steph and I went to L'ville to pick up Betty at the airport

Catching up-this is after Graduation on July 5th

2007-08-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

Waiting around outside the theater after the graduation.
Here is our family group watching the graduates march out of the Olive Theater. Grandma, Jordan, Huela, Aunt Nonnie, Feliciana, Aunt Julie, Steph, and Julian. I think Steph is leaning over to talk to Julian so he cannot be see.
Julian and Feliciana outside the Bradley. This is NOT a tank. Remember, we do not like fat a** tankers. Recon!

Here they are waiting to go over to the barracks to get Josh.
Aunt Julie and Feliciana inside a Bradley.

1st Platoon, India Troop

2007-07-07T15:51:00.001-07:00

This is Josh's platoon. He is to the left of the Soldier just above this head. This is after marching in to a cadence but before each Soldier introduced himself. The DS also introduced themselves after their platoon.

Graduation

2007-07-07T15:33:00.001-07:00

The ceremony was very touching and full of Cav Spirit. Each platoon marched in to a
Cadence. Each soldier introduced himself with name and home town. Probably rank, also. The official party arrived, the National Anthem was played, followed by the invocation. Remarks by the guest speaker, followed by awards, the Soldiers reaffirmed the Oath of Enlistment, sang the Army song, official party left, the soldiers marched out into formation and back to the barracks for out processing.

Bugler

2007-07-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

They had a bugler during the ceremony. It was very moving to hear.

Cav Scouts

2007-07-07T15:26:00.001-07:00

This was immediately after the graduation ceremony was complete. They all turned to face the audience. He is in the back (which was the front). Great photo by Aunt Julie.

Hurry up and wait

2007-07-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

He is ready to go. They had them like this for some time before they were turned loose to sign themselves out. Great photo op but he was ready to see Ft. Knox in the rear view mirror!

Signed Out

2007-07-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

After he signed out, the family was waiting (impatiently) for him. Our plans were to shop for contacts, clothes, have dinner together (the 10 of us), and he wanted to have a beer with his buddy Glodgett. His buddy is from Vermont and in the National Guard.

Ta-da

2007-07-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

Here he is out of his Class A and into regular street clothes. One of the next stops was the local mall so he could purchase some clothes that fit!

We are off...

2007-07-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

Well, only 6 more hours and we leave YC for Fort Knox. Probably the last time we'll be going there for Army reasons. We ALL come home together on Friday, the 6. Josh has leave until July 18 when he reports to Fort Drum, NY. Unless he can get home town recruiting for 2 weeks. Then, he would work in the recruiting office in Sacramento, then on to Fort Drum. Remains to be seen. I will keep you posted.

AIT is over for the most part!

2007-06-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

Josh has finished his AIT! The 20K was the big finale. The Soldiers got up at 3 a.m. and were bussed out somewhere and had to ruck back. They got back to the barracks at 7 a.m. The next several days will be spent cleaning and getting ready for graduation! We leave on Monday for the graduation on Thursday morning. We have a dinner/reception with the Soldiers on Wednesday evening. We all come home together on Friday. He has 2 weeks leave, then he reports to Ft. Drum, NY by July 18.

Brother and Sister Act

2007-06-12T20:47:00.001-07:00

The kids brought a CD, these costumes, and some maracas to put on a performance tonight.
It was quite a show!

Memorial Day

2007-05-29T16:34:00.000-07:00

We had a BBQ here with Huela and Aunt Julie and family. The kids have a 7 week old puppy named Disney. Echo was so good with him. She kept track of his every move. The kids enjoyed the pool. Feli is waving to Josh.

de plane home

2007-05-29T16:20:00.001-07:00

Class A's

2007-05-29T16:17:00.001-07:00

After basic training, he says he is a soldier but without a job. After the AIT, advanced individual training, then he will have his job.