Quick Trip

Christina and I and the two "little girls" (Tomodachi and Lucky Dog) made a quick trip to South Carolina to see Bryan before he headed off to Iraq. It was a really good visit with him and we are already counting the days until he comes back home safe and sound.

Our trip home took us within 5 minutes of RonJon and Rachael's apartment so we stopped for a very quick visit. Maddie is adorable as ever! I wish we could have stayed longer.

Grandma, Maddie and Lucky Dog.

Weekend in Raeford, NC

Jennifer and Cory's house. It was my first time seeing it since it was finished. It's a lovely home with a bonus room upstairs. Jennifer has done a really nice job decorating it as well.

I got there Saturday morning and could only stay until Sunday evening. I wished I could have stayed longer. Natalie is an absolute jem! She is ridiculously good natured. We went out for an early supper on Saturday and Natalie missed her afternoon nap. The whole time we were at the restaurant she behaved like an angel. She completely charmed the waitress, ate some chicken, broccoli, and fresh bread. Thank you Jennifer and Cory for your hospitality. It was wonderful to see you and I hope I get to see you guys more often in the future!

Pool Party

RonJon got to spend some precious time with his family today. Maddie reminds me a lot of how Jennifer used to be in the pool. She DID NOT want to get out!

Augusta, GA

So, here I am in Augusta, GA going to army school at FT Gordon. It was really short notice and not really my choice, but it definitely has some perks. I have gotten to see RonJon a few times and I also got to go and hang out with Rachael and Maddie and see their new apartment offpost. Rachael has done a great job getting the place all set up and homey. It was amazing to see the changes in Maddie in only a few weeks. She is really turning into a little girl instead of a toddler. I hope to spend some more time with them this weekend and maybe add some pics of RonJon.

Mowing the Jungle

It took us a couple of days, but Bryan and I got the jungle mowed. He did the majority of the yard on the lawn tractor, and I came along the edges with the push mower and the weed eater.

It was the first time this season that the yard in Jay had been mowed and it looked like a disaster! We started off with a flat tire on the mower. Followed that up with an article of clothing that was hiding in the tall weeds that managed to get completely wrapped around and bound up in the blades. Top that off with armadillo and dog holes throughout the backyard. It was a challenging adventure!

After the rest of the yard was done, I cleaned up the area around the concrete slab in the backyard. You have to be REALLY careful around this part due to about a 8 inch change in ground level between the front of the slab and the back of it. Boy did it look better when we got done!!!

Happy Sad Day!

Well... the day finally arrived. Rachael and Maddie are moving to Augusta to be with RonJon while he is in school. I am excited for them to get a fresh start together with a place of their own, but I sure am going to miss them!!

It looked like a used car lot while everyone was there.

TJ, John and Cory came to help Rachael with the heavy lifting. I know she really appreciated being able to count on them!

I couldn't resist getting a picture of this. Rachael was trying to make more room in the trash can. Somehow it always fills up quicker when you are moving!

Maddie was sticking pretty close by the truck. I think she was trying to make sure all of her stuff didn't leave without her.

Well, I guess this is really it... They headed out first thing this morning. Rachael, Maddie and Becky (the dog) in the lead vehicle and Rachael's mom Val driving the U-Haul. Safe travels! You will be missed!!

Ft. Jackson Trip

The newest Soldier in the family, PFC Wixon.

Thursday was family day and we were all happy to spend time with RonJon. He wasn't allowed to leave post this day, so we pretty much split our time between the park and the bowling alley. Maddie even got to bowl a game.

Natalie is getting so big!

My beautiful granddaughters all matching.

Watching the graduation ceremony on Friday.

We were so happy that Cory got to come too. He made it there late Thursday afternoon after a jump and 9 or 10 mile ruck march!

Proud Mom!

The Hall family.

The Wixon family.

We all had lunch together at TGI Friday's before we had to part ways. Jennifer and family headed back to North Carolina. I headed home to Florida, and RonJon and family headed to Augusta, Georgia where he will be stationed for about the next year to complete his schooling. It was wonderful to see everyone and get to kiss the grandbabies!

Time Flies

Wow...A year ago this time, I was bringing my brand new boyfriend up to Lisa and Jim's house to meet some of my family. What an unexpected bonus in my life... And Yes, I still think he's a keeper!
RonJon is currently in Army Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC. He is about half way done now and is doing well so far. He has been sick a bit since he's been there. Got the barracks crud and can't seem to shake the cough, but has still managed to keep up. He did especially well with the rappelling. Phone calls home have been really scarce so far, but he has done pretty well writing letters to Rachael. He should graduate basic around the 30th of April and then will be heading to Ft. Gordon in Augusta, GA for school.