THE TRAVELING GARDNERS

Dan was gone for a week to the field. This training was more laid back than other field trainings he has done. Dan had to come out of the field for a "supply run". The boys and I were able to meet up with him and give him some Powerades. We also made a "drop off" to him and his buddies at a renvendevous spot. The guys got spoiled with pizza one night and tacos another night.    Dan said that he had one sleepless night when the sandstorms were blowing around. He said besides that it was basically a guys getaway week. This completes one of Dans' final training of his re-class school. On November 18th he will graduate. We will then drive to Utah and stay in base housing until we get our final papers to move to northern California. We are hoping to be moved in before Thanksgiving. And I am hoping they don't move us to Cali until after Christmas. I love Utah during the holiday time!

Tonight was a cold crisp 55' night, a full moon, and a perfect night to get dressed up and attend the Halloween festivities here on base. There was a haunted hay ride for the adults and teens. And earlier in the night the horse arena was turned into a Halloween activity area for the young kids. A mini maze with hay and pumpkins was set up. There was a bouncy house. Tables were set up with face painting and hair coloring. Craft tables for the little ones. A costume contest that had to be rigged....because we totally had the cutest kids. ;) And USAA insurance even had a table there handing out flashlights. Outside of the arena there was a big movie screen set up playing family Halloween movies. There was also a little concession stand with hot cocoa and popcorn balls. I am so grateful to be near an Army base that has these activities for the boys. This was all put on by the MWR on base and (minus the food) everything was totally free. The one thing missing? Dan! He is gone for a wee...

The boys and I made a quick trip to San Diego. Dan stayed home with Wrigley since he couldn't get time off for training. And we missed him so much. But, I was so grateful to be able to be close enough to drive to San Diego. My good friend and old roommate Nicomi got married! She was my bridesmaid for my wedding. She also gave me a bridal shower. She was the only friend to drive to the bridal shower my Aunt gave me in Julian. And she also helped me with my make up and flowers for the wedding! I was so grateful for her kindness during our wedding. I was so excited to attend her wedding and celebrate her happy day to marry her best friend Manny. Beautiful photo provided by Nicomi's photographer. Nicomi provided babysitters for out of town guests. And I was so grateful for this, since this allowed my Mom to be my date for the night. It was so great to see old roommates and catch up. The wedding had it's unique activities. Instead of throwing a garter and bouquet, they threw ...

Columbus Day continued........ We just recently discovered this fantastic park. A huge playground for the boys in one area. A sun shade over the playground equipment. A big grassy area to run around and fly kites at. And to top it off.........a huge fenced off area doggy park! So Saturday morning we watched Ben play some soccer. And Saturday evening we headed to the park for a great end to a day. When first arriving Wrigley was pulling like a sled dog to play at the park. Dan had to use the leash behind the tush technique to prevent losing an arm. Wrigley is one strong puppy! Zach has no fear. He climbed right up those steps. I couldn't help but think how small he was compared to those tall steps. I was so proud of Ben. He jumped right on the rock climbing wall and climbed right up to the top. Now granted, it was not very high up. But he did it. Ben is usually our cautious one. He is slowly becoming braver as each day goes by. Still learning the art of swinging. The Gardner guys me...