Camping Trip

Over Memorial Day Weekend, Greg and Sarah came down to Tennessee and we went camping at Lake Barkley. We had a great time, even though we got rained out. Thank God we didn't take Lacy, what a mess that would've been! We cut the trip short and went back to our house for the rest of the weekend...what a fun visit!

Our Campsite

The ONE and ONLY bite we got all weekend, Greg pulled in this huge catfish. We let the little lady go, we weren't up to messing with fish guts in the rain.

Our campsite was right on Lake Barkley.

Steven set up his Army Poncho thing and made us an extended canopy...it was pretty sweet!

Washington Vacation

We had a wonderful time in Washington over Steven's block leave. We spent several days in Woodland with Grandma Shirley who took us to see lots of the Columbia River Gorge. It was absolutely beautiful, and Grandma was an amazing tour guide! We also spent some time with Steven's Dad, Grandma Fundingsland, and Aunt Diane in Longview, WA. The time always goes by too quickly, but we really enjoyed visiting everyone!

We went down to the beach....Long Beach, WA...and stayed at his Uncle Odell and Aunt Carol's "Little House" which was wonderful...thanks again so much! We spent most of our time with Steven's mom, doing some projects around her house and enjoying her company. The weather was absolutely amazing, only sprinkled a couple times, which is unheard of in April out there! We just had a wonderful time. It was great to see everyone....Mom, Dad, Grandmas, Paula and Rod, Diane, Debe, Norm & Sis, Odell & Carol....we hope to make it out again soon!

Columbia River Gorge

Grandma Shirley and Steven

North Bonneville Dam

Fish Ladders

Fish Hatchery

Dinner with Grandma Fundingsland and Aunt Diane

It was so great to spend time with Steven's Dad!

The Old Grist Mill in Woodland, WA

I was amazed at these moss covered trees, so beautiful!

Camellia Trees...I loved them...they were all over and in every color!

The Tulip Festival

Steven was so happy I took this picture.....

Monkey Tree

This Monkey tree was amazing and really sharp! Don't come too close!

North Head Lighthouse

Long Beach

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

Seals on the docks on the Columbia River

Steven is Home!

Steven made it home safely on Saturday, March 21st at 9:00am. Inside the Hanger before Steven's flight landed.

Wheels on the ground!

Steven and his brother, Dave.

Happy Happy Happy

Saturday

I finally got the call this afternoon. The schedule currently says he'll be home Saturday morning at 5:30am! yippie! this can change at any time, but hopefully it would be sooner rather than later!

Homecoming

I got an email from Steven this morning, and he thinks he'll be starting the final leg of his journey home within the next two days...home by the weekend!! Keep your fingers crossed! On the 13th he signed over his $4+ Million worth of equipment to the Platoon Leader of the company that is replacing them, so he's been "Mission Complete" for a couple weeks. They have been packing, traveling and counting down the days...the flight home cannot come soon enough for them! He says to tell everyone hello and he can't wait to see most of you this spring and summer. I'll keep you posted on his flight plan. Keep them in your prayers.

Steven, I'm so proud of you and honored to be your wife. I love you and can't wait to have you home!

THIS MONTH!!

The "Official" Countdown has begun, and as of today, we have 19 days to go!!! Yay! I'm so excited, I can hardly breathe! That's less than three weeks! I'm praying the date doesn't change too much from there, but give or take a couple days and we'll be okay! As far as I know, Steven has completed his last mission in Afghanistan and he's now basically waiting around to come home....poor Steven, the time is going so slow for him!

Some of my favorite women are coming down next weekend to help me pass the time quickly (the truth is, we just really want to have a girls weekend), and I'm so excited to see Mom, Anna, Sarah and Jill! It's going to be a blast!

Steven Has Moved!

I talked to Steven today for the first time in a week! His company just moved to Salerno, Afghanistan and it took them almost a whole week because of all the snow! They are all safe and are going to be working there for a month before they start the journey home. He doesn't have a date yet, but they're still planning on being home by the end of March. I can't wait! It's exciting to finally be able to say he'll be home NEXT MONTH!! Steven sends love and greetings to everyone, and he's looking forward to seeing you soon!