Washington Visit

We only a few weeks before Steven deploys, so we took advantage of his block leave and traveled to Washington to visit with his family.  We had a great time with mom and Grandma Shirley exploring the Ape Caves and the amazing lava tubes!  Lava tubes are the holes that are left after Mount St. Helen's erupted, lava covered the land and hardened around the trees.  Once the trees burned away they left these perfectly shaped tubes in the ground that sometimes twist into amazing tunnels.  James and I got to explore these dark, damp and kinda scary lava tubes...and he's here showing you his big muscles after he climbed up out of the hole.  so fun!

 

We visited with his dad and grandma Fundingsland too, and of course, hit the beach with mom.  James loved flying the kite and walking on the boardwalk.  Such a great time with the family!

 

Ft. Wayne Children's Zoo

We were in Ft. Wayne for a week for an awesome visit with my family during Steven's block leave.  We had a great time and James especially loved the zoo!

Goodbye Grandpa

Six weeks to the day of losing his wife, my grandpa Clarence Dowling passed away.  I have been so fortunate to have known and loved my grandparents for so much of my life.  They have always been there for me, from attending every sporting event  (and there were probably thousands), to spoiling James with love and attention.  It's going to be so hard to visit Ft. Wayne and not have them there.  Miss them.

 

We did get, however, get to say goodbye to Grandpa.  We came up to Ft. Wayne to visit during Steven's block leave before heading to Washington and got a chance to see him the day he passed away.  Love you, Grandpa. 

Welcome Violet Marie

Greg and Sarah had their sweet baby GIRL (it was a surprise!!) Violet Marie on August 18th!  She is just perfect and James and I flew home to meet her and throw them a baby shower.  Just precious. 

 

Goodbye Grandma

My Grandma Bonnie Jean Dowling passed away this week.  She had been suffering for a long time, but held on to hear of the safe arrival of her second Great-Grandchild, Violet Marie.  We are so sad to lose her, but know that she's with Jesus!  Love you, Grandma, we will miss you. 

Steven's Change of Command

Today Steven took command of Bravo Company, 3-69 AR BN, 1st BCT at Ft. Stewart.  We were welcomed by LTC Davenport and the rest of B Co at a nice ceremony this afternoon.  He gave a great speech and is really looking forward to leading Battle Company for the next year or so.  We had a reception afterwards and served pulled pork sandwiches, fruit, drinks and cake to all 150 of his soldiers!  It was a great day!  In addition to his command, I'll be taking over as FRG leader during his time with B co....wish me luck!  They are scheduled to deploy in November for 9 months, so it should be an interesting year for both of us!