VD 08: Phoenix, Arizona

Waking up in the arms of family feels so warm and loving. The reality of my pending long-distance relationships, especially with my wife and my son, is beginning to manifest, if only slightly, within my thoughts here and there. The thought that comforts me the most is the fact that I am leaving my wife and son in the loving care of our entire network of family and friends.

Today is family photograph day. I prefer going to a place at the mall to ensure the photos and prints are good-to-go in the fastest manner. You know, one should really have these portrait photos completed continuously during the toddler years - Kaesen grows so fast!

Happy Saturday to all.

VD 07: Phoenix, Arizona

My regular weekday alarm is set to wake me at 0545. Today I awoke with excitement at the prospect of showing up at my former employer, Fulcrum, to surprise them with Dunkin Donuts! My visit went well; it was wonderful seeing some of my old comrades and missed several who were away on business.

Kaesen and Kimberly had breakfast with my family; they said it was delicious.

I am enjoying a relaxing day here in central Arizona with no worries but what to eat next! LOL

Tonight we met Billy & Jenna Wilson at Tee Pee Mexican for some awesome food, spirits, and later enjoyed a ridiculous serving of ice cream at the Pink Spot!

Cheers!

VD 06: Phoenix, Arizona

I awoke to the familiar sounds of my father checking his email in his office. The hot bath was refreshing. I dropped our Ford F150 off at the Ford dealer for warranty repairs to the right-rear shock, alignment, etc. Shopping is in order today.

We are thoroughly enjoying our family vacation in advance of my predeployment training beginning on May 9, 2011.

My sister, Amy, arrives this afternoon to visit through Saturday.

VD 05: Las Vegas, Nevada

Enroute to Phoenix, Arizona. Splendid.

VD 04: St. George, Utah

Priceless serenity here. UT-ahh!

VD 03: Heber City, Utah

VD 03: Heber City, Utah. We are happily into Utah once again. Beautiful.

VD 02: Rawlins, Wyoming

We decided that travelling with Kaesen, two dogs, and one cat was enough at 600+ miles and 11 hours on the highways. Hotel night two. We have another 600+ miles tomorrow before St. George, Utah. All is well.

VD 02: Dickenson, North Dakota

Up early. We will be on the road momentarily. We feel refreshed.

Leaving the Great White North for Predeployment Vacation

Okay, we are leaving Devils Lake, North Dakota, only 12 behind our preferred departure time. The dogs are barking, the cat is quiet, Kaesen is being a good boy, and Kimberly is being a good woman. Me? Shoot, y'all know me - I'm drained.

T-Minus 23 Hours

Well, Kimberly, Kaesen, and I have moved nearly all of our household goods into storage, with the help of four local movers (read: young high school or college students) yesterday. We are preparing the remainder today for storage and loading into our truck to begin our two-week vacation through Utah, Arizona, and California. We plan to meet friends and coworkers for dinner tonight and say our farewells.

It is barely above freezing here in North Dakota!

This long and wonderful journey for all three of us is about to begin!

Kaesen says that his daddy is going to, "Half-ghanistan!" LOL

My son, Kaesen, has been telling everyone he speaks with that his daddy is going to "Half-ghanistan" in a few weeks. He also shares that he and his momma will be using Skype everyday with his daddy to "see him" and "hear him."

Follow me!

Test blog post from my mobile phone.