Final Farewell

Last night we had a Farewell to the 3 Shop Party. I invited everyone who I have worked with in my office over the last two years to come to our house for a BBQ( I was shocked that I even had my BN XO show up). We had ribs, burger, hotdogs, cheesy potatoes, chips with a savory Santa Fe Cheesecake(big hit), and cupcakes followed later by S'mores.

Almost everyone brought their kids along so there was more than enough action. As it got darker out the kids headed inside to watch Rio (we rented it at Redbox earlier), while the adults started up a fire in the fire pit and stood around telling work stories. I have never felt so loved as in that moment. In the three weeks that she has been in the unit my replacement has managed to infuriate every person I have worked with. She has a very special skill.

After about an hour in the house we had an impromptu fashion show put on by all the kids. They had discovered the dress up box with all our costumes and clothes in it and it was HILARIOUS. I wish I had taken some pictures. I have never had 10 kids in my house running around before. So I was a little shocked at some of the findings when cleaning up. : ) Empty juice boxes stuffed under couch cushions and plates of half eaten food everywhere. It could have been much worse so don't get me wrong I am not complaining.

One couple has a little boy that is a few months younger than Thor and a girl that is 8. They have already invited us over in a couple of weeks for a BBQ and asked if we could set up a play date with Thor and their son. That in and of itself is pretty exciting.

Jake is making friends too. My Platoon SGT is a big motorcycle guy and he rides with a bunch of combat vets. He invited Jake to come ride with him to try and make some biker friends. They are all older married settled down guys so they are just doing it to have some fun. Nothing scary or dare devilish about their club.

It was nice to have a successful gathering since most of our parties are complete failures. I am great at planning parties for other people but when it comes to my own I really don't do so hot at hostessing. Its a difficult balance between making sure everyone is having a good time and has someone to talk to and getting food out when there is a shortage or keeping the coolers filled with drinks. Jake and I did a really good job of picking up the slack when the other person was busy with something else. I guess after 11 years of being with someone you finally can anticipate the other person's needs. : )

I now feel ready to go into my new unit and learn all they have to teach me. I have been so stressed about it for months now and on Monday it is a reality. I couldn't be more excited- and today and tomorrow  I learn how to ride our motorcycle. wooo!

Where were we....

Its been a while since our last post. In that time my replacement arrived in my unit and has caused no end of stress. She walked in and tried to own the place. Unfortunately she has never worked in an Air and Missile Defense Battalion before so she knew nothing of what she was talking about. In a week she had made almost every senior NCO angry and has verbally abused multiple junior enlisted Soldiers. I have felt really loved because everyone who has experienced her has begged me to try and stay. It has  been stressful trying to teach someone to do a very technical job and feel that they have not paid any attention or literally not taken a single note. I was supposed to teach her for a few weeks but after two weeks (10 days of that living in the field with her) I asked my boss for some vacation. I just needed a little break from it all before jumping into a new unit.

I always hate going to the field because I know how hard it is for Jake to never get a break at the end of the day. He is pretty amazing taking care of the kids and the house and everything that I normally do when I am gone. WE have a very unique life and I don't think anyone really gets how difficult it can be to be a  stay at home dad with no family support much less any other friends in the area that he can turn to. He is really quite amazing and I could not do what I do if I didn't have every confidence in him to keep things running smoothly in my absence. He's pretty perfect. 

Yesterday was a laid back day working in the yard, and taking afternoon naps. Then we went out to Mr Sno and got shaved ice. That is one of the kids's favorite treats in the summer. 

Two weeks ago Jake got his long sought after motorcycle. He has wanted one for years and it was just never financially in the cards. So as a 6th Anniversary present he got a 2011 Triumph America. It will function as our second car and I will drive it to work every day so he can have the freedom to take the kids out and about while I am gone. I am taking the driving class this next weekend. Being in the military there are quite a few requirements prior to being able to legally ride a bike. There is a basic riding course that one is required to take, then all the PPE (personal protective equipment) that I have to wear to be in regulation. I can only ride if wearing long sleeves, gloves, eye protection, helmet, boots that cover the ankle, long pants, and a reflective vest. Its quite alot during a hot summer day but the weather is cooling off so it should be pretty doable.

Below is Bean's halloween costume. I stared making it before I went out to the field and we snagged an awesome wig to finish it off when I got home. We still have to make the crown but she is all set for next month. Now its just a matter of having anyone know who she is.