The New! Somewhat Improved! About Us

Welcome!  Or, welcome back!  I began this blog in the fall of 2009.  My husband, Brandon, was preparing to deploy with the US Army to Iraq for one year.  Our two children and I were to spend that year (and a couple of months in the summer of 2009) travelling the world- or, at least, parts of it.  I covered that year somewhat spottily on this blog.  We camped our way across North America, checked out Japan,  explored New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and parts of Malaysia.  We had 6 weeks home in the States in the spring of 2010, then spent 5 months travelling  through western Europe.   We got a house set up on Fort Stewart, Georgia, just in time to welcome Brandon home.  Quite a year.  Definitely one to grow on.  BUT… the fun didn’t stop there.  The Army, after some dithering, has sent us to Oahu, Hawaii, to live for the next three years.  Want to watch?  Well, stay posted!

 

 

What I had to say THEN (fall 2009):

 

Well, I guess it was my idea.  The trip part, anyway.   Although I can’t take credit for the whole war in Iraq, thank heavens.  Who am I? Well, the easy answers are a wife, a mom, a reader, someone who loves to go, a real fan of my cat, Phoebe.  I’m a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend,  a member of a great food coop and a cool homeschool group, and a cook of all things beany.   I’m an Army wife, part of a strong network of women who really know and owner of an address book crammed packed with great friends and neighbors from 7 postings in 9 years of marriage.   At the end of the day I’m the one who, when learning that her husband was leaving for 12 more months in Iraq, said,  Huh.  Well, kids, pack your bags.

What I have to say NOW (July 2011):

 Well, a lot less than last time.  For the last two years the kids and I have been on the move, with a few months here and there of having an accurate address.   Not exactly homeless, but definitely unrooted.  This move to Hawaii is my eighth move in eleven years of marriage, and, when I factor in travelling for 20 months out of the past 24, I’m beginning to wonder if I’ve exhausted my capacity to adapt and to change.  Sounds negative for paradise?  Maybe.  We’ll see.

 

Brandon then. 

I should really let Brandon speak for himself, but until he does, I’ll have my say.  He’s a great husband, a rockin’ dad, a dedicated Army guy.   He loves to bike, run, and pick up heavy stuff.  He’s great at dishes.  He’s on his way to Iraq, where he has strict instructions to email often and eat well. 

 

Brandon now:

 I’m still waiting for Brandon to speak for himself on this blog!  Stay tuned.

 What Rory had to say:

Rory has this to say for himself:  I’m kind of excited about this trip.  Still, I’m halfway annoyed. And I’m very sad that Dad is going to Iraq.  I’m looking forward to going to Paris, Germany, England and Japan.  They sound really fun.   I love to climb trees and I hate my hair short.  One of my favorite games to play is Pokemon.  I like to run a lot.   I’m a champion at hopping on one leg. 

 

 

 

 

Rory, now up a Hawaiian tree (some things don’t change):

 

I had a great time on the trip.  I had tons of awesome experiences.  I’d like to do it again.  Hawaii is amazing.  The scenery is awesome, and I can’t wait to do some hikes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Nora, 2009, with our cat who went missing during our trip.   Oops. 

Nora says:  I like my hair long.  And I don’t really like Star Wars.  I like to go swimming and go to climbing walls.  I’m not so prepared [for the trip].  I feel sad about Dad going to Iraq.   I’m looking forward to maybe having my birthday in France. 

 

 

Nora, now, without the cat.

 

My favorite place on the trip was Sardinia.   There was a beach at the campsite and it had big rocks, and there were lots of animals.  I caught jellyfish.  So far in Hawaii I’ve seen fish, cattle egrets, green sea turtles, and lots of lizards.  I caught a baby gecko!