Week(end) in Pictures

Happy Days

This past Wednesday, my father-in-law (Tim, Sr.) celebrated one of the most important occasions in a Airman's career.  After twenty-five years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Senior Master Sergeant Anderson retired!!!  It was a small affair, but well represented by important personnel from around the base.  Not only did he receive the traditional pendent (always pinned onto the uniform lapel by the spouse) and encased folded flag, he was also gifted with numerous accommodations, letters of appreciation from numerous high ranking individuals, and unique mementos from the squadron he left behind.  My MIL and their kids were given tokens of appreciation, too!

Not going to lie, I was balling by the end of the ceremony.  It always moves me when we get to show our appreciation, not only to those who have risked their lives to serve their country, but to the families who have risked their happiness and sacrificed so much in support.  I am beyond lucky to be a part of such an amazing military family.
Thank you, SMSgt Anderson (ret.) for your service.

Haircuts & Road-trips & Other Interesting Things

I chopped off my hair!  I've pretty much kept my hair short for most of my life, rarely adventuring below my shoulders and typically maintaining a chin length style.  I've definitely gone crazy with the colors (red, blue, black, purple, and one attempt at a home bleach job...not pretty), and once cut it short right before joining the military, but couldn't muster the courage to do it again.  Until recently.

The first couple are from the very first haircut, which was wonderful, but slightly too long and still waaaay too thick (I have tons of hair.  Maybe not very thick, but a lot a lot of hair).  The last picture, while it might not look much different, is after my second haircut where I had them thin out and trim up the bulk.  Needless to say, I am simply in love with it.  So easy to manage!  There is a legitimate chance I may never grow my hair out again!

If you read my last post, then you know I am in Washington state right now, spending much loved time with my in-laws.  The ten hour drive up was long, especially with pups to deal with, but Northern California is always a pleasure to drive through.  Please ignore the lack of editing, I'm too impatient for that right now.

 Watching the fog roll down Shasta Mountain was amazing.

 A metal dragon someone built out in a field.

 My nephew, Joshua.

 Sis-in-law, Elaynie.

 Her husband, Jon.

Joshua fell asleep at the table.

We've been taking advantage of the lack of rain here and frequent the local playground often with Ninja, Sass, & Joshua.  I love being around all of this greenery, although the clouds are starting to wear on me a little.

I possibly could have broken this up into a few different posts so it wouldn't be so long, but I am so excited to be able to upload pictures on my own computer, and I couldn't wait.  We will be visiting the pumpkin patch tomorrow, going paint balling soon, taking a day trip to Seattle, flying to South Carolina, driving to Kentucky, and possibly bleaching my hair, so you should probably check back to see what shenanigans we are up to in the near future.

Washington State

Last weekend, Timmy and I loaded up the Jeep with dogs, enough clothes to last a few months, and tons of sunflower seeds to head to his parents' house in Lacey, WA. The ten hour drive was gorgeous and lasted all day Saturday, then Timmy headed home to California the following Monday.
Our decision to have me leave earlier than him was a huge debate the past couple weeks.  I felt that it was my job to stay behind to help finish cleaning the house, handle the movers, and take care of him until he finished outprocessing with that squadron.  He debated that it would save us money if I left early, and he wouldn't have to worry about me stressing myself out (which happens regularly).  So he dropped me at the in-laws and told me to have fun.  Which I am.
I miss my husband dearly, but it has been wonderful not to think or worry about a single thing for the past week.  My sister-in-law is a wonderful and hilarious young lady, and keeps me company for the most part.  My father- and mother-in-law take care of me, and my nephew keeps me occupied when everyone else is busy.  Part of me wishes that I could mooch off of them for the rest of my life, but a larger part of me is so excited to start our adventure in Germany.
Timmy kept our laptop to have something to do, but as soon as I get it back, there will be tons of pictures to upload from my time here.  Until then, keep us in your prayers that everything with the military will work out!