Our friends, Tyler & Marci Davies (also a military family) have a blog set up to keep family and friends updated on everything going on in their lives, and I thought "what a great idea!" Especially now that we live so far away from family, what better way to keep everyone up to date on what's going on in our lives!
So, as most of you know, Josh received his wings on March 13th, 2009. His mom and dad were able to come to Florida for the ceremony and it was great! I was so proud and honored to pin on his wings!
Can you fly that thing Brenda? This was taken
on Family Day...the day before the winging.
Blessing of the wings
Before the ceremony...Josh's wings & cover
Pinning them on!!!
We're so very proud of him!
The Graduating Class
All the Marine Wingers...ooh-rah!
Very Nice!!!
He was selected to fly CH-46E helicopters...sometimes referred to as Sea Knights or "Phrogs." Eventually, these helicopters will transition over to the V-22 Ospreys (they already have on the East Coast but we suspect that it will be a couple years before the West Coast fully transitions). He now has six months training on the CH-46's and then he will finally be finished with all of his flight training - that is, until the Marine Corps decides they want him to fly something else!
CH-46E SeaHawk
Josh's new squadron - HMM(T) 164
Otherwise known as the "Knightriders"
We are now stationed aboard Camp Pendleton, CA. We left Florida on March 21st and drove cross-country arriving in Oceanside, CA on March 27th. Our first stop on our road trip was Shreveport, LA - after a morning of cleaning our previous house, then driving almost 10 hours, we didn't really get out to see much of Shreveport! The second day took us across the state of Texas - one whole day to travel through Texas! But it was worth it because it is such a beautiful state - that night we stopped in Amarillo, TX. Our third day we drove to through New Mexico and then into Arizona. We stopped in Flagstaff and stayed there for three nights...we had only planned to stay two nights but there was so much we wanted to see, and we thought the pets could use a little rest after all that driving. Our first full day in Flagstaff, we went to see the Grand Canyon - all I can say is "wow!!!" What a sight to behold and we recommend that if you ever get the chance to see one of God's most spectacular creations, don't pass up that chance! The next day, Josh and I went to see Meteor Crater. We had such a great time there and our tour guide was fantastic!
Pretty cool picture, right?
Awww...Vega, Texas
The Grand Canyon! Simply Amazing!!!
Mom at the Grand Canyon...and it was her Birthday!!!
It took about four shots before we finally got both dogs looking at the camera!
Breathtaking, isn't it???
Meteor Crater - over 500 feet deep!
Josh & I at Meteor Crater
Finally, on Friday, we took the last leg of our journey into California and arrived in Oceanside, CA. The next day Josh checked in and we were able to get a house on base (there were several available because many military families are now buying houses off base since the home prices have dropped significantly in this area). We are now settled into our home - we had a lot of unpacking, but thankfully my mom was here to help!
Our cute little house on base
Although the yard is small, the dogs are happy just having a place to play!
So far we are really enjoying CA - the weather has been really nice for the most part, but the last three days the temperatures have soared into the 90's and with no A/C in our home, it's been a little tough - especially for the dogs! We are going to be putting in some A/C units this week so we can be more prepared for the next heat wave. We've also been looking at some houses out in town because we are still contemplating whether we will remain on base or buy a house of our own. We would like to have a larger yard for the dogs and central A/C would be so great (you never realize how much you miss it until you don't have it!)
Well, that's all for now. Josh and I will be sure to keep everyone posted on what's happening. We miss all of our family and friends so very much. We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers and continue to pray for safe training & flights for Josh.
God Bless!
PS - Thanks again Mom for everything! Love you muches and miss you bunches!
