THE TRAVELING GARDNERS

We are so proud of Dan! Over the past 6 months, Dan has been training and studying non stop. He took 63 tests! He graduated with honors and 3rd in his class. During this time he also acquired a second associates degree in Intelligence Operations from Cochise County College. He is one smart cookie! We were so excited to share the celebration of graduation with him. He deserved this special day that was all about him. Family and Friends that lived within 1-3 hours, drove to support Dan on his special day. L-R - Rob and Marge, Uncle Gary and Pete, Grandma Liz, Zachary, Aunt Judy, Grandpa ken, Dan, Benjamin, Leah and baby to be. Everyone who was former military. L-R - Liz( Dan's Mom), Uncle Pete, Dan, Aunt Judy, and Ken (Dan's Dad)

Zachary turned 2 on November 12, 2010! At the time, Dan was in Arizona finishing his training. And the boys and I had driven down to San Diego for a quick visit. So, on Zachs actual birthday we met up with Grandma Reva and Grandma Sue and ate some yummy cheeseburgers at Fuddruckers restaurant.Grandma Reva bought the boys balloon ninjas! It was so special that we were able to bring Grandma Sue with us and share this time with her. But we sure did miss Daddy! A few days later in Arizona................. We combined Dan's end of training and graduation celebration with a birthday celebration for Zachary. Dan requested pizza and wings New York Style from Vinny's pizza. And Zachary wanted a Thomas birthday cake. I wish I had more pictures! But our camera battery died. For memories sake: everyone who was there to celebrate with us: Uncle Gary and Pete, Aunt Judy, Grandma Liz, Dan's friend from work and his family; The Johnson's, Rob and Marge, and of course Dan, Zach, B...

I am so proud of Dan. He loves the boys and I so much. He works so hard to provide for our family. He is our protector. And he is our soldier. Thank you Dan for all of your hard work. Thank you for putting your all into everything you do. You give 110%. And I admire that so much. I am bursting with pride to see you graduate from your training. You have learned a new job and you are exceeding at it so well. Your soldiers that you lead look up to you. And as the boys watch your hard work, the boys have learned to respect you in a new way. So, you go enjoy your free meals at Applebees, Outback, and Chili's! You deserve it! I am also so proud of my family members that have or serve now in the military. My brother Daniel is in the Army. My step brother Ricky is currently serving with the Army in Afghanistan. My step brother Jeremy served in the Air Force. My Papa Jr is retired Navy and Air Force. My Aunt Judy is retired Navy. And my step dad served in the Navy. And don...

We can almost see the finish line! Dan will graduate from his training November 18th. We have enjoyed Arizona and all that we have been able to do. But, we are SO ready to be settled and stay in one spot longer than 6 months. Wrigley is done being an apartment dog. And the boys miss their toys that have been locked up in our storage unit. And most of all, I miss belonging to a family ward and not being a visitor. So November 1st, we bid farewell to our tiny furnished apartment. Dan is living with his Mom for a few weeks. (She is moving to Illinois soon and Dan has been helping her pack up her house.) And the boys, the dog, and myself headed to Phoenix for a week to stay with Uncle Gary and Pete. We then drove back to Ft Huachuca for the weekend. My Aunt Judy drove down from Tucson to join us and came down for Ben's last soccer game! We all stayed in a hotel on base. While Wrigley was babysat at Grandma Liz's house. Then, Monday the boys, the dog, and I headed to San Die...

Suprise! Baby Gardner #3 will be arriving July 4, 2011!