Birthday Party's in Oregon!

Last July I went home to Oregon for my mom's 50th birthday. It was such a good time but I didn't have any photo's until she sent me some of her's. We did a 50's them which was appropriate for her 50th bday and she was born in the 50's. Many friends and family were there to celebrate with her. I was glad to make it out there to be with her. It was also my cousin Ryan's first birthday a few day's later, so we had a party for him too! Here are some of the photo's from the party's.

What are you going to do next? I'm going to Disney World!

Yes I went to Disney World last week. My friend Julia came out to visit so we took a short trip south to Orlando. We stayed in the military Disney hotel, Shades of Green. It was a very nice hotel on a golf course and it even had a Mickey Mouse shaped pool. We went to Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Epcot was a full day of fun, we showed up at 10AM and left at 1AM. There were extra late magical hours for people staying at the resorts hotels. Epcot has crazy rides and different "countries" you can tour. We went to Morocco, Germany, France, Japan, China, Canada, and the UK all in one day! The little replica countries are amazing. I have never been out of the country but I imagine that is what they look like. Even the people at the shops and restaurant were from the country they were working in. So Epcot was my favorite part of the trip. We did however go to an amazing dinner one night. My sister Melissa worked for a fancy restaurant in Key Largo two winters ago at a place called Norman's. So there is one in Orlando at the Ritz Carlton, so we went. I have never had a meal like this before. I tried everything fried Oysters, sweet breads, yuka root stuffed shrimp, fried cod (which was my favorite), oh and the dessert was this strawberry sauce over champagne sorbet with a crape on top! Melissa knew the manager so this whole fancy meal was about 30 dollars each instead of about 100 or even more. He only charged us for the main dishes! This dinner was the best meal I have ever had.

Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary Nick and Julie Palmer

Congratulations Nick and Julie! I can't believe it has been a year since your wedding. You two are a wonderful couple. I founds these fun photo's from your reception! I love you two and miss you.

Charleston

Last weekend I went to Charleston, SC with Melissa and her friend Taryn. We had a good time seeing the beautiful buildings and being in a bigger city. We sayed right downtown at a historic hotel. It was nice to be able to walk from our hotel into the downtown area.

Ryan and Marley's visit

Ryan and Marley Stevens came out this way on vacation. They were able to stop and stay with me for a night. We had a good time touring Savannah and hanging out. It was good times and it was great to catch up with them. I just wish Jake could have been there too.

Creatures of the South

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So some mornings you let your dog outside to find this creature digging in your yard! Mystery solved. I wondered what was making holes in the front yard. Ah the wonders of the south. This is the second time I have seen one of these up close. Last week I saw one in the back of my house by the big trees and forest area. It wasn't really scared of me or Ally. It just kept digging and looking for food. What do armadillo's eat? I think they are the south's opossum equivalent.

June

A month has come and gone and I haven't posted anything. June was a good month. Work keeps me busy and I love it. Melissa and I have been having a good time together. We recently joined the Pooler YMCA. The classes have been fun and kick our butt too. It is nice to have each other for motivation to go in the morning. Usually it is me getting up and sending Ally in to wake her up. Also I threaten to sing the "good morning" song; which I learned from her. It goes something like this, "good morning, good morning it is time to rise and shine,"and repeats until the person gets out of bed.

I am looking forward to coming home to Oregon in mid July. The sound of warm days without humidity and cool nights sounds oh so good. Right now in the south it is definately very hot and humid.

I am doing well without Jake, but I do miss him like crazy. I feel God is strengthening us individually and together through this time apart. God has blessed us both with a joyful attitude about this deployment and we pray that continues. Thanks for all of the prayer for us and for Jake's safety.

This photo is taken in front of the downtown Starbucks yesterday, we went and saw Melissa at work.