Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down - #6

Ten years ago today I was a senior in high school sitting in Mrs. Vernon's English class when we heard the news that the towers had been hit. Hard to believe that much time has passed since then because I remember it like it was yesterday. America will never be the same as it was pre-9/11. Today as we remember, I pray especially for the families of the victims and for the countless men and women of the armed services that have and continue to put their lives on the line for our nation. I am very proud to be married to one of them!

Up:

• Along those same lines, this weekend the town of Mountain Home hosted the 51st Annual Air Force Appreciation festivities. Literally the entire town lines the down town streets for a parade followed by a free barbecue in honor of all the local service members. It was even more special this year with all our spouses deployed. Our group was significantly smaller with our guys away, but I'd say we did a great job showing our T-bolt spirit! I am so blessed to be in the company of such brave, strong and wonderful women! Here are a few pics from the day:

Jackson and I waiting for the parade to begin. Our float was near the end, so we waited for over an hour and a half for our turn, but Jackson was such a trooper!

Our Float! Yes, it was falling apart before the parade began, but we gave it our best effort!

Jackson must have been worn out from all the candy and bead throwing!

• As I mentioned in last week's post, my Aunt Marva came into town this week to visit. Jackson and I had such a great time with her and she was a huge help chasing after Jackson! The weather was great while she was here so we took in some good shopping, toured Twin Falls and played in the water at Lucky Peak. I think Aunt Marva was happy to escape the 100 degree summer of Dallas.

Aunt Marva in front of Shoshone Falls!

Jackson and I by the Snake River!

Aunt Marva and Jackson splashing around in Lucky Peak Lake

Loves his Aunt Marva!

Down:

• It has been great getting to talk to Mike more during this last third of the deployment. He is on night shift now which happens to be our day time, so the timing of calls works out much better. Now that things are winding down he has been really busy though and unable to call as often as he was previously. The hard part about this is that any time the phone rings or I open my computer, Jackson gets really excited and says, " Daddy!" Breaks my heart every time. I keep telling myself - soon. Soon he won't think Daddy lives in the computer and he'll have someone to play ball and wrestle with like only a daddy can do. Until then, I just have to tell him, "no sweetie, Daddy isn't home right now."
• My parents were in Puerto Vallarta this week on vacation, which is definitely great for them and much needed, but I missed talking to them. I talk to my Mom every day and my Dad pretty often too, not to mention the fact that we Skype probably once a week. Thankfully Aunt Marva was here to keep me occupied, but I still missed our daily phone conversations. Luckily they made it home safe and sound last night, so we'll have plenty of catching up to do!