Pure Joy!

When was the last time you did something that made you feel like this?

And just because he looked cute...

And this one too...

Watch Out Aaron

Here comes trouble!

Sunday Afternoon

My new favorite picture of the three boys.  I love these guys.

The only child who willingly looked at the camera.

KUDOs

(Kids Understanding Deployment Operations)

Ryan took Clayton to Operation KUDOs at the base this morning.  The event is hosted periodically to help kids understand what happens when their parents deploy.  There was a lot to do, and I can't imagine how much work must have gone into pulling this off for the kids.  I actually had to take notes in order to write this post.

When Ryan and Clayton arrived they went through a processing line in the same location Ryan processes when he deploys.  Clayton got his dog tags, mobility bag, orders, and processing check list.  Then he visited with legal, finance, the chaplain, public health, medical, and immunizations.  After the processing line, they met in an auditorium where they had a deployment pep rally led by the vice wing commander.  They were also briefed on their deployment mission. 

Receiving his processing check list

Then it was off to the buses to take them to the flight line where they boarded the E-3 that would "fly" them to Camp Courage.  Once they "arrived" they were taken to a hangar where there were several different activities for the kids, including a med tent where they could learn about basic first aid, a weapons display, and the opportunity to put on chem gear.  Ryan and Clayton also learned about flag folding and folded mini US flags for deployed troops.

Getting on board

Touring Daddy's plane



Oxygen mask

Operating the AWACS

Flying

Scary

After lunch there was a canine show and an inflatable slide.  Clayton also won a set of Legos in a raffle.  It was certainly a busy day, and Clayton was completely beat by the end.

This evening Brandy, one of our dearest Air Force friends, voluteered to keep all three of our kids so Ryan and I could enjoy an evening out alone.  She is so brave.  We took her up on her offer and indulged ourselves at The Cheesecake Factory... alone... where the only food I cut up was my own.  Brandy said everything went fine, but I have a feeling that after keeping our boys, she'll be sleeping well tonight.

Backyard Camping

Ryan and Clayton had a backyard campout earlier this week.  I had wanted them to do this for a while, and it's finally cool enough now.  Ryan put up the tent the day before, and the boys had thoroughly enjoyed playing in it.  We haven't done any camping with the boys, so when we started talking about sleeping out there, I'm not sure Clayton fully comprehended what we meant.  However, Tuesday night came, and Clayton was thrilled to haul all the stuff out.  He was even more excited when I popped some popcorn and brought out the portable DVD player.  They enjoyed watching some VeggieTales and both fell asleep during the movie.  At seven o'clock I woke up to a knock at the back door, and there was Clayton, happy as can be. 

 Getting all set up

Happy campers

Smile!

Tonight