July 18, 2011

News from Colorado & Afganistan

Even though not much had happened this week it went by pretty fast. I took the girls and Wyatt to the park and a couple of times to McDonalds to play (I was grateful for the air conditioning). On Saturday Vanesa and Dewey came to pick up Wyatt. Again we were all sad to see them go. I only heard from Andy once this week but had informed me that he is the Command U.S. Force Afghanistan (USFOR-A) Fuel NCOIC, was picked up to do Combat Drive Team not Master Driver, and also he finally got his side arm/secondary weapon (9MM), which he was very excited to get.


The Jackson's of Albuquerque

Stacie and Kevin are happy to finally have internet up at their new home so that they can participate in the family blog.


On Monday a few of their friends came over to see their new home and to share dinner together. They were happy to be able to use their grill in their own backyard for the first time in over a year. Stacie is definitely looking forward to more of Kevin's culinary creations. On Thursday Stacie left work early to attend a doctor's appointment. She enjoyed having the rest of the afternoon off to work on cub scout awards and tidying up the house. On Friday Stacie's new replacement to cover her old position at work was able to start working. She was excited because it has been over a month since the new employee was hired and Stacie has been waiting anxiously to have her begin. Kevin took his midterm for his Latin class and was happy to report that he felt like he had done well. In the evening Kevin and Stacie attended their last cub scout pack meeting for their old ward. They enjoyed playing water balloon volleyball and ultimate frisbee with the boys.


Kevin spent most of the morning on Saturday cleaning the old apartment. Kevin and Stacie were determined to be out of the apartment by the end of the day. He picked up Stacie part way through the day and she helped him finish the task. They were happy to finally turn in their keys. In the evening they went out to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. They were happy to discover a small theater less than five minutes away from their new house. They liked the movie, but mostly enjoyed the opportunity to be together for the evening. Tonight they plan on having dinner with their friend's mom, since it is her birthday and she is home alone. They also look forward to a week completely settled into their new house. Pictures to come!

Grant's News

Grant got suckered into attending his friend Amber's Mary Kay party last Sunday, but luckily ended up getting a foot scrub out of it. The rest of the week Grant was working at Hudson's. They were expecting to be busy due to a Farm Technology Conference in town, but it turned out pretty slow. He attended the midnight showing of Harry Potter with Logan, Emily, and Mom on Thursday night. On Friday Grant and Emily swapped rooms; Grant was hoping the quiet basement might improve his sleep issues. On Saturday he spent the day painting over the orange and purple walls. He is pretty happy with the outcome.

The Haws Family of Wisconsin

This was a good week for Logan. He had a soccer tournament on Saturday and did very well. It was great to watch him play. The heat and humidity was pretty intense but Logan made it through the weather pretty good. On Sunday a new family joined our branch. To Logan's delight their son is thirteen. It is great to have a deacon's quorum of two.

Emily is beginning to look more seriously at colleges. She is visiting the University of Minnesota with Mom today. As Grant mentioned in his section Emily attended the Harry Potter movie along with Grant, Logan and Mom. Everyone had a good time.

Lanette had the opportunity to attend with her school several activities including a trip to the cheese factory in Rudolph, Wisconsin. Many of you have been there. They have great ice cream and cheese curds which Lanette enjoyed. Summer school will be out soon and then Lanette will be coming with Mom and Dad as the solo child out on vacation. We will be picking up Emily at EFY in Palmyra and Logan in Virginia.

Mom has continued to be busy with her many duties. She finished painting the deck. It looks amazing. She attended Harry Potter with her kids while her husband snored away at home. She is on her way as this blog contribution is written to visit the University of Minnesota with Emily.

I am working with Logan to prepare for scout camp this coming week. It will be fun and I am looking forward to the time with Logan. I have enjoyed Logan's games, riding my bike to work and gardening. I continue to feel like I am a very lucky person with some of the richest blessings that Heavenly Father can bestow on anyone.

Have a wonderful week. Love, Dad