Good Bye 2008, Hello 2009

WOW...it's already 2009? Where does the time go? Looking back on 2008 it was a great year for us and we are looking forward to 2009.
Last New Years Eve, we were in Minot, I was pregnant and we stayed up till midnight to ring in the New Year with sparkling cider. This year we are betting on whether or not we actually can stay up that long but we did buy Champagne just in case.

March 6, 2008 our lives changed forever and it was no longer just about Travis and I but Isaiah too. And they weren't kidding when we were told, time flies, and he'll grow up so fast. I still cannot believe that he is almost 10 months old. The boy has been to about 20 states and 18 flights...oh yes, we have earned our 16th flight credit with Southwest Airlines so the next one is a freebie...but we can't forget his first flight with Northwest when he was just 3 months old.

Then sometime in April I got a call from Travis saying there is a slot open to for his new airplane and it would move us from Minot to Clovis, NM. He asked my input but how could I say no, his voice had such a fire and inspiration to it that I could not say no. So end of June, they packed us up and we moved. Little did we know that Travis would be changed to a different plane and he would end up being in Vegas a lot longer than we anticipated. But in that time we bought a house in Clovis and as of writing this, we are ALMOST settled.

Of course we cannot forget Election Day 2008. I never really expressed my opinion one way or the other, out loud. But I was happy with the outcome. Now I just hope that people will give Obama a chance and not be so quick to judge when CHANGE does not happen as quickly as they want. But I do have to thank Sarah Palin for some great Saturday Night material and the great phrase of "I can see Russia from my house". Well, Sarah, I can do ya one better "I can see Texas from MY house".


As 2008 comes to a close we have had a great year and thanks to Facebook, we have reconnected with those we lost track of over the years. We are excited for 2009 and what it may have in store for this Hinkle Family.

He's home!!! Well, almost

So Isaiah and I get to venture to the "big city" of Lubbock to pick up Travis at the airport. I'm so excited to have him HOME!! He'll finally get to see his very own house. He's only made three house payments already without seeing it? He will have a long day of travels. He leaves Las Vegas at 6am pacific time and doesn't get into Lubbock till 2pm central time. Good ol' AF making those flight arrangements. He will have a two hour layover in Dallas, then on to Lubbock. I just hope it's on time. I also hope I can get some sleep...But its kind of like Christmas morning or the first day of school. I'm nervous/excited for a couple reasons, 1. I don't want to over sleep. If I did that, I'll be racing around in the morning, getting Isaiah dressed and fed. I also have to take the dogs to their house (I'm pet sitting) 2. I just want him HOME!!! So i'm super excited!! I want him to walk in and breathe a sigh of relief, HOME...no longer having to live out of a suitcase! Let's get our renovation ON! Beware old school wallpaper, carpet in the bathroom, etc...The "honey do" list is being compiled! Welcome HOME my love!!

The mind can play tricks...

One thing I truly hate about Travis being in Las Vegas...is that Travis is in Las Vegas. Does your mind ever play tricks on you when you sleep by yourself? Do you hear noises that you haven't heard before? What was that? OMG, someone is coming into the house...no, no they are not, your mind is playing evil tricks and it's not nice.

I am recently having issues sleeping. I never had issues before but when we moved into this house, a new house, new noises, new neighborhood, new town, etc...When the heater kicks on there are strange sounds that I hear. I should be used to it, but I'm not. Yes, everything is locked up but having been a Probation-Parole Officer in my previous life ;O) I always tend to think the worst of people. And of course this is also the girl that when she was little a tree branch used to rub against my wall at home and I was convinced someone was trying to get in my window. After many nights sleeping in my parents room, my dad cut the branch and the noise disappeared.

I live in a small town, no one is going to bother us? Yea and i'm sure no one thought 6 inmates would escape from the jail in this small town, but they did, of course they were caught, at least I believe 5 were caught possibly 4, but even though its a small town, bad things can happen. So whats the cure?

How do I just go to bed? How can I quit thinking that in the middle of the night what if someone gets in and tries to hurt Isaiah, or take him? My mind is racing and I want it to stop. I want to get a good nights sleep. Yes, I know I have a 9 month old and thats not always possible, but for us it kind of is. He sleeps pretty good and I am missing sleep.

I know I should be tough and I should be use to this by now, but I'm not and I have to admit, I hate it!

The results are in...

November 27, 2008 I competed in my first sprint triathlon. I trained for it but I didn't think I really TRAINED for it. It had rained all night and we were anticipating it raining during the race. It stopped raining just in time for the race but it made part of the course so muddy that the course was shortened to a mile and a half run instead of two miles. I was nervous.

Travis was there taking care of Isaiah and Lukas my nephew. Also, my nephew Levi brought his boys, Evan and Gino to cheer us on as well. The youth division started first and my nephew Mateo started in that group. He is so fast. I just watched in wonder as he ran, biked and swam. I was able to take pictures but the swim, he was so fast by the time I got to the pool he was done. Then the men started, my brother Matt was in that group. I saw him transition to the bike and then the women started.

Cindy and I lined up, wished eachother luck and before I knew she was off and running. No way was I going to catch her but I wasn't doing it to race her, I was doing it to see if I could even do it. So I found a pace and stuck with it. I transitioned to the bike and was off on a twelve mile journey, just hoping that I wouldn't crash. During one of the legs, my brother passed me on his last loop. By the the third lap on the bike I was really into it, I felt really good, I was so surprised. As I finished up the bike, I got ready for the swim.

As I made my way to the pool, my legs were like lead, but I still felt good. I hit the water and immediately my legs still worked, just add water? My arms were a different story. I thought it was kinda funny that my legs worked after running and biking but my arms just didn't want to work the way I wanted them too. But somehow I still managed to pass people and I knew if I stopped I would have a hard time starting up again. So I just went for it and before I knew it I was passing more people and then, I was done.

I got out of the pool, crossed the finish line and now I'm a triathlete! 1 1/2 mile run, 12 mile bike, 400 m swim all in 1 hour 11 minutes 57 seconds...having your Ironman husband hug you at the end, PRICELESS!!

The latest...

I cannot believe that it is already November and its half way over. Where has the time gone? Well, we have been pretty busy and I'm not even sure where we left off. We moved into our house but I'm still trying to get organized. I watched Oprah today, why can't they come to my house and organize...doubt they even know where Clovis New Mexico is.

The week of Halloween we went to see Travis in Las Vegas. He and Isaiah carved a pumpkin and Isaiah just loved the piece of pumpkin he was able to gnaw on. Then while we are at dinner one night we were able to meet Tony Schumacher, he is a top fuel drag racer. He drives the Army car...http://www.nhra.com/drivers/driver.asp?driverid=17&CatCd=1 Travis noticed him when he walked into the resturant and of course, I had NO clue who he was but he asked an Army Captain that was walking by if we could go meet him. He was so nice. We asked to take a picture and he asked if he could hold Isaiah. Travis was super excited about meeting him and getting a picture with him holding Isaiah.

Isaiah and I then returned back to New Mexico. Before leaving for Las Vegas I was rear ended in Santa Fe. We were okay but my car had a slight dent. I think the truck that hit me had more damage then my tough Subaru. I yielded for a bicyclist and the truck behind me, well, he wasn't paying attention. But we got it fixed and returned to Clovis.

Since our return to Clovis I've been training for the triathlon that I am supposed to do in Arizona for Thanksgiving. I know now that I can run 2 miles, I can bike 13 miles, and I can swim 400 yards but can I do them one right after the other, ON THE SAME DAY?? So on November 27th, 2008, I will race in the Southwest Valley Regional YMCA Youth, Adult & Relay Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon along with my brother Matt, my sister-in-law Cindy and their 9 year old Mateo will be competing in the Youth TRI...Yes, you read that right, a YOUTH TRI, he is awesome!

I'm just hoping to finish, not looking to win but survive!! It's my first one and I figured I would have A LOT to be thankful for if I just finished. And of course I think that would give me permission to have as much as I would like to eat later that day.

our pigpen and a reunion

I gave Isaiah a teething biscuit and he LOVES them...they are a bit messy but fun at the same time. Also, while in Houston we caught up with our old friend Pedro Recalde. This weekend was the UNM RA Reunion in Albuquerque. We were unable to attend but Pedro and I had our own reunion here at the Hinkle's. It was great to catch up with him.

HE'S CRAWLING!!!

Sunday, September 28, while waiting for our flight to depart Birmingham, AL to Houston...Isaiah thought it would be a great idea to start crawling. Everyday he gets quicker...so much fun to watch.

Auburn v. Tennessee....the SEC

We arrived in Houston on Wednesday September 24 and departed for Alabama Friday night. We spent the whole day saturday at Auburn University. Tailgating started around 10:30AM. Game time, 2:30PM...84,000 people in the stands. It was crazy but so much fun. Thankfully they had an area that had fans blowing and they handed out water. Isaiah and I paid it a visit a couple times, I think mainly for myself than for him. He was having a great time, so many people to see and so much going on around him. Of course we had to wear orange and until we were at the stadium I was feeling like a pumpkin but once inside, everyone had on their orange and blue. The SEC is serious about their football, I felt as if we were at a pro game. If you have never experienced an SEC football game, I highly recommend it.

I heart NYC

While in Connecticut we ventured into THE city...http://www.newyorkcitywaterfalls.com/ , we took an hour boat tour to view the art installation of the waterfalls. A beautiful site. We also paid a visit to the Trade Center site and temporary memorial they have set up. It has been 10 years since I was in New York City, at which time the towers still stood. On that day, 10 years ago, we never did go up to the top of the towers but we stood at the bottom admiring their enormity. The memorial they have set up is only temporary until they can build on top of the site. I cannot find the words to express my feelings of seeing what is no longer there. After paying tribute, we ventured to Battery Park and then on to the boat tour. Being that Manhattan is a fairly large city, you wouldn't think I would know anyone on a boat tour right? Well, I get on the boat and notice a girl that looks familiar, but I'm in Manhattan, on a boat tour, certainly I couldn't know anyone....I do...Maggie, a girl I worked with at Maloney's in Albuquerque, go figure?

We had a fabulous day in THE city.

"dude, your kid did killer on the plane"

We left Las Vegas on September 17th on a flight to Providence, RI where we met with Kim my best'est friend since 7th grade...that's right, we have been friends since 7th grade.Thats about 20+ years...WHOA!! She used to live in Champaign IL, but recently moved to Milford, CT and what a great idea that was, well, her husband Chris is doing his residency Yale (he is a DR.DR.)but they now live a block and half from the beach...and again, what a great idea!!

We stayed a week and enjoyed every second. Isaiah was able to stroll to the beach each day on our morning walks. He taught Madeleine the fine art of sharing. He went to his first college football game, Yale v. Georgetown. And we took the kids to the aquarium and of course NEW YORK CITY. What fun we had. Its amazing how Kim and I have been friends for so long and now in the new roles as mothers its interesting to see how we have changed and have taken on this new role. Madeleine is 16 months old, so since she has more experience than I, it was interesting to see what life will look like for us in a year. What a fabulous time.

"Dude, your kid did killer on the plane"...a fine young gentlemen said to me after we landed in Las Vegas. Isaiah slept the whole way and woke up when we landed. After he said that to me, a young lady that was sitting behind him said quizzically, "there is a baby on board?"....Yea, that's right, MY BABY!! So, I believe the translation is "Wow, your baby was so well behaved on the flight"...but I'm getting up in age that I'm not sure of the lingo...hahahaha...Since then Isaiah has been on six flights and each one he "did killer on the plane"

traveling by plane....so much easier than driving!!

Its been awhile since I have blogged, but Travis has the computer and what fun is blog without pictures...so I will add some and update what has been going on.

We drove out of Vegas August 24 spending the night with my friends Matt & Anne in Flagstaff. We had a visit with them and headed back to NM on the 25th. We closed on our house on the 29th, so we are homeowners now...but do you think we are living there yet, uh that would be a NO. Well, the owner needed to stay until the 8th, and we were coming back to Las Vegas on the 13th. So we are back to traveling.

We are in Las Vegas, celebrating Travis' birthday. Dan & Dee surprised Travis by arriving in Vegas for the weekend. It was our plan but Ike helped with how long they would stay. They returned to Austin yesterday and as of today they still do not have power in Sugar Land. No major damage has been reported. Thankfully, everyone, including Ginger and Rita, are safe.

Tomorrow Isaiah and I head to Connecticut to visit my best'est friend Kim and her family...Chris and Madeleine. They recently moved to Milford, CT and they have grand plans for our week visit. We are going to the Yale v. Georgetown football game and I'm sure we'll be checking out the sights, I cannot wait to post those pictures.

Then on the 24th we head to Houston to spend time with Dan & Dee, while there we will be making a trip to Alabama to see Victoria, Kay Dee, & Dale and again, going to a football game...Auburn v. ? ...did you know that a 6 month old needs a ticket? Apparently, he takes up a lot of space so we had to get him his own seat, and you bet I'll be taking a picture of that!!!

Then....drumroll please.....OCTOBER 9TH is the big day!!! Our goods arrive in Clovis!! And we will officially be residents of Curry County New Mexico...wow, never thought i'd ever say that...but we are very excited to start making our new house a cozy home!!

Isaiah is attempting to crawl and we are hoping he does today for Travis' birthday. He is 6 months old, weighing in at 17lbs, 25 inches long... He manages to get himself in the strangest places while rolling around. As for crawling, he has his feet going its the hands that he doesn't quite get, but once he does, he is going to be off and moving...like i said hopefully he will today...so he can crawl to daddy and say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Another year...

I love my birthday....yes, I do, even when after 30, I still love it and really, it should be a national holiday....hahahaha. It was a great day, hung out with my little man and then we went to dinner at my favorite restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory.

Isaiah enjoyed carrots feed to him by Aunt Tee. He gets sooo excited when he sees food, it's so funny. Don't really know how much he actually eats and how much ends up on his bib but its great that he has started to eat baby food. Our little boy is growing up.

So my dinner included Terysa and Ron who happened to be in Las Vegas for a conference so they were able to spend the evening hanging out with us. Isaiah was laughing at Tee and Ron both, especially when Ron was giving him a lecture about the dangers of Vegas. Isaiah just laughed at him. He was our entertainment for the evening.

So another year has passed and I look forward to what this year of being 33 will bring. One of my gifts was a new bike, Travis is determined to get me to do a triathlon and honestly, I think I can do it. That's the first time I have admitted that and I will definitely be blogging about that once I get started.

So, here's to another year, may it bring many adventures and blessings. CHEERS!!

Two cities, two weddings, one weekend

What a weekend!!! We departed Las Vegas Friday early morning to San Diego. It was a light load so we had the whole row of seats to ourselves. Isaiah fell right to sleep for the very short flight. We arrive in San Diego, get the rental car, and head to Chateau de Emerich...that's Erin & Ian's house. I impress myself by getting there and only having to call Erin once because her place was not visible from the street. Isaiah and I were off to explore the area where we found an awesome place for lunch and with the weather as perfect as it was we ate outside. We return to Erin's and hang out till its time to head to the wedding. Well, its California and I had to get there via a freeway, so the wedding is at 5:30, we left Erin's at 3. I'm sure its not unheard of to be stuck on the freeway for hours. Well, it took us 20 minutes. So we again, went exploring. Isaiah was able to see the bride before the wedding and meet Miss Kristen as well. I've known both since the day Maloney's opened its doors in Albuquerque, Erin a bit longer but we all had a great time at ol' Maloney's. Erin and Ian meet while working at Maloney's in San Diego, so technically if it weren't for me begging Erin to apply with me at Maloneys in Albuquerque, they would have never met. hahahahaha. I just wanted to take credit for helping two soulmates find eachother but really, i had nothing to do with it. So, back to the wedding. Everything was PERFECT!! The dress, the flip-flops, the hair, the weather, the ceremony, the reception. All beautiful!!

So we wake up early, AGAIN. Thinking, well, its California freeway back to the airport, MUST LEAVE EARLY!! Again, getting there in 20 minutes, apparently, freeway traffic fears me because nobody was on the road. We boarded our flight to Seattle, stopping to change plans in Sacramento, then off to Seattle.

We are greeted by GramDee and Grandpa Dan when we arrive in Seattle. The weather was actually quite warmer than expected but still beautiful. We had a driver that was Ukrainian so he didn't speak much English and it was entertaining to say the least to watch GramDee try to communicate with him. But I now know that I'm getting them both Rosetta Stone for Christmas to learn a new language if they are ever in Seattle again.

This wedding was Travis' cousin Matt. He and Elaine met via Match.com or one of those online dating sites. I will now encouage anyone who fears trying it and use them as an example. This was another wedding that was beautiful, despite the 5 minute rain during the ceremony, and who could forget the boat that passed by that honked its horn, during the ceremony. But I believe it would not be a proper Hinkle wedding without some sort of entertaining story to go along with it. To me, everything was perfect.

We were able to stay Saturday to Monday and we boarded our plane back to Las Vegas. Have I mentioned it's HOT in Las Vegas. Oh geez....IT'S HOT!! Isaiah travels very well and I have to laugh at those who board the plane and look as us like "ugh, a baby on board, great" and then when he sleeps the whole way, we get compliments "wow, your baby did great on the flight" I just want to tell them, YEA, HE'S MY BABY!!! DUH!!!
He did do very well for going to two cities, and two weddings, in one weekend.

What happens in Vegas...

If you would have said 8 years ago that I would be married a second time, have a child, and would be moving from New Mexico to North Dakota and back to New Mexico, I would have certainly said, "are you crazy?"...Well, its funny how life has a way of working out. Then in 2002, after singing Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" after every Thursday night sand volleyball game at the sports plex in Albuquerque, I thought, I would NEVER get married again, let alone have a child. Then in 2005, friday the 13th, I saw the boy in the white shirt. Well, here we are celebrating our two year wedding anniversary along with our 5 month old son. I will always believe that "everything happens for a reason", whoever came up with that phrase was a genius. I now believe that everything we go through in life, every person that is put in our path along the way, is there for a reason. Travis, in the three years we have been together, married two, he has taught me that no matter what you set your mind to do, you truly can do it. I thought he was crazy when he said, "I want to do an Ironman", well, last September he did it. More importantly, when we had talked about getting married after only dating two months, I thought he was was crazy. Yes, there are many times since then that I have thought Travis is crazy, but that is one of many things that I love about him. If I tell him I want to do something, i.e. run a marathon, he will see to it that it is accomplished, and sure enough, I ran a marathon. I have since learned that there is nothing I cannot do without him by my side. Our son, Isaiah, the other love of my life, without Travis, he would not be here. It is a wonderful sight to see him grow and learn. I especially love watching he and Travis interact. Travis is such a proud pappa and I am very proud wife and mom. My path of life has certainly been through some bumpy times but looking back, I would not ever change a single bump. Everything does happen for a reason. It does not seem like it has been two years, I can remember our wedding day like it was yesterday and I know 50 years from now, when I'm 83 (whoa), I'll be saying the same thing. Guess in our case, what happens in Vegas doesn't necessarily have to stay in Vegas.

Family Reunited

Isaiah and I met Travis at the Hoover Dam yesterday. It was 103 outside so we didn't stay outside for long, but long enough to have another tourist snap a picture of us. The drive for us wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I broke it up by driving to Flagstaff, spending time at my friends house for awhile and while I was going to spend the night, I got anxious, so I continued on to Phoenix. In Phoenix I finally met my newest great-nephew, Maddox, he is 3 weeks older than Isaiah. We had a little guy dinner. But before he met his cousin, Isaiah had a bottle of formula before dinner and apparently didn't care for it because it came right back up, ALLLLLL OVVVVVVEEEERRRR. Oh well, it happens. But I find it interesting that a complete stranger can start asking you questions as to how or when the bottle was prepared, in order to diagnose the problem? She also asked it in such a way of saying that formula is devil....well, certain times calls for a quick fix and whipping out the breast, FOR ME, is not possible, so I prepare a bottle. He normally takes it, no problem. But not that night. Again, oh well, it happens. We had a great visit and since I was anxious to see Travis we left Phoenix Sunday early morning. Back to hotel living once again, listening to jets flying over but the family is reunited!!

The beauty of living like a gypsy

I went house hunting in Clovis last week and believe I have found our home. There are some improvements to be made but this house is move in ready and I'M READY...sorta. When I look at my calendar the months are just flying by. I still need to make arrangements to go see the in laws in Houston and let us not forget our pooch...Ginger. She is living the life with them, pool side, I'm sure. And I want to go see my best friend who moved to Connecticut. So I have to get those two trips in, along with going to Vegas for our anniversary, two weddings, Travis' birthday and he wants us there for Isaiah's first Halloween. Geez, that's a lot of traveling but its all part of the beauty of being a gypsy.

Isaiah has become a rollie pollie this week. Its so fun to watch. I also love listening to my dad "say MAMA....say DADA....say MAMA" . Isaiah just laughs at grandpa. Isaiah will be five months this week, my dad will be 76 on Sunday, CRAZY!!! Isaiah has been hanging out with my mom too. She is teaching him the fine art of hanging out in the recliner to watch the Game Show Network or Telemundo. I prefer Telemundo, not so keen on GSN, at least he's learning spanish watching telemundo, right? No worries, his TV exposure is limited. But its funny to see Isaiah rocking in the rocking chair with my mom, and my dad in the other chair, and all three are asleep. I'm working on getting that picture.

This week we'll be a traveling week for us. We are going to Clovis Tuesday, spending the night. Returning to Albuquerque on Wednesday and then off to Arizona on Thursday. We will be in Las Vegas on Monday. We cannot wait to see Travis. It still amazes me that we lived apart for a year because its been just two weeks and I'm going crazy without him. Thankfully spending time with family has made the time fly.

The hibiscus pictured is from my sister in law, Cindy, her plant in their backyard. Made me feel as if I just might be in Hawaii.

Here, there, everywhere...

Travis has been in Las Vegas since last Thursday. So far Isaiah and I are doing pretty good. I have to admit though that shuffling around is starting to get to me, but if I stay put for longer than two days, I'm okay. It doesn't even phase Isaiah. As Travis put it today, Isaiah is socializing by being exposed to many different environments....I think Travis phrased it better but that's what i can remember.

I love this picture of Isaiah because it truly captures what a happy baby he is and clearly shows that being shuffled here, there and everywhere is not in anyway harming him....we hope!

Isaiah still has lots of people to meet so I believe we are staying in Albuquerque the whole week, but we'll see. I want to go back to Santa Fe to swim. My sister-in-law Cindy managed to get me to the pool last week and I swam. I didn't do as bad as I thought I would. My bathing suit even fit, I could even get it off after it was wet. Impressive!! So the bug has been planted to POSSIBLY start doing triathlons. As Travis has said, "there is a tri girl there in, i know it". Well, my response of course, she is buried under layers of fat, so I'm going to have work really hard to dig her out. But that's a whole other post to blog about. I have done a marathon, he has a knacked for talking me into doing things I'd never thought I would do. He is an awesome, supportive husband that I'm having to live away from and every poopie diaper, I miss him!!!

Travis was nighttime diaper duty and well, I appreciated every diaper he changed.

So where are we this week...Staying in Albuquerque at least till Wednesday.

3000 miles later...

We made it to Clovis on July 6th. The trip here was not bad at all. We managed to make good time and of course stop at the Lewis Family Reunion. We spent 4th of July with Travis' family in Adrian Missouri. It was a wonderful small town parade in middle America which was full of politicans. We lit some fireworks that were purchased for a steal at the corner fireworks stand. The first purchase was $34.oo, they (travis, victoria and dan) had to go back for more. We had the "Run like Hell" fireworks show in front of grandmas house. Every time we'd light something Dan would shout "RUN LIKE HELL", it was the funniest thing ever. It was a great display and Isaiah was mesmerized by it. He didn't even flinch.

Today, we are going to look at some houses. We are still in dilemma of whether or not to buy right now or wait till Travis is done is Las Vegas. Since we arrived in Clovis I have been up to Santa Fe and Albuquerque twice, the drive is only 3 hours to either place, 3 1/2 if going to the west side of Albuquerque. Isaiah is still doing great in the car, just load him up and we go. He is amazing. It's taking more a toll on me than on him I think.

Travis absolutely LOVES what he will be doing. The first day he came back to the room and asked if we could stay forever. You couldn't beat the smile off his face. We have meet some folks but a lot of them are still in Las Vegas. Everyone is slowly making there way here. Everyone is so wonderful. Very family oriented here, it's great. They plan on having lots of gatherings and I believe to truly enjoy it here, we'll need that.

Clovis, is VERY small. It reminds of Los Lunas before it boomed. It doesn't have a Target or a new Barnes and Noble like in Minot but thats okay. It definately smells like the country. There is a cow farm pretty close and when the wind blows, well, its like having it in your backyard. But there is also the wonderful smell of burning weeds. A scent I associate with my grandmothers house in Tome, NM. So combine those scents together with the smell of rain and you get the country. I don't mind it all, at least not yet.

Its great to be back in New Mexico, we are far enough away but yet close, so thats good. We head back to albuquerque thursday...

We are gypies

Our belongings are somewhere between here and there. They will be stored until we get settled in Clovis. The packers started on Monday, they finished up on Tuesday and loaded the trucks. They were smaller trucks and it took two of them. I did take pictures but because I'm at the library I cannot upload pictures here. Its okay, once I can I will post them. We moved into the temporary lodging facility but we will only stay until tomorrow. We will then be staying at our friends house until we drive out of here on the 2nd. In the mean time, I have been CLEANING our house. Why all caps to emphasize the word CLEAN. Well if anyone has ever lived in military housing, when you move out you have an inspection. I have to clean the fridge, including inside the rubber seal. Don't forget the bathrooms, and as we were told, the inspector will run her hands all along the toilet. So in other words, IT BETTER BE CLEAN!! So I got to cleaning once the movers took everything out and I've been cleaning since. UGH!!! Did i mention the blinds, there cannot be any grit and/or grime on them. But those are already done. Travis wanted to pay someone to do it and I said no way, I CAN DO IT. Uh, yea, I should have just paid someone but I think I have managed to convince Travis to give me the money he would have used to pay someone, hmm, tricky, hahaha. So life as we know it is now living out of the suitcases, eating out (which I'm already tired of) and watching Isaiah adapt to the changes. He has been a trooper. We cannot wait to to meet everyone and we are looking forward to our travels.

The last flight in the huey

So Wednesday was Travis' last flight in the Huey. He'll be training for a new aircraft in August. We watched Transformers the other day and realized that his new aircraft is in the movie. AWESOME!! Its called the Predator, its in the beginning part of the movie. So if you get a chance check it out. Not sure what exactly I can say about it but you can see it in the movie.

As for the Huey, I remember when I was little and my dad would go away for his guard weekends. We'd see a helicopter in the air and my mom would tell me that was my dad. He wasn't a pilot, he was just along for the ride. So when Travis told me he was flying one in Minot North Dakota, I knew he had to be somewhat cool, hahahaha. But seriously, as old as it is, its a great helicopter. I love the sound and can usually hear it from miles away. Strange I know but I have amazing hearing, unlike Travis. Last year I was able to partake in the annual spouse flight. That was an amazing experience, but this year, I think its a conspiracy that they have not had one YET! I'm sure they will once we leave. But at least I was able to go up once.

So back to his fini flight, as they call it. He took off and went to Fargo. They had lunch at Hooters of all places and they did some training as well, on the way to and from Fargo. Once he landed he was chased down and sprayed down with water as well as very cheap champagne. That was my job and it was fun. We have it all on video but wasn't sure about posting it but we of course have pictures!!

His days of flying a Huey, for now, are over. Who knows what could happen after the Predator, so i won't say he is done forever. We have to finish up some things and we'll be out of Minot July 2. Minot has been good to us our first two years of marriage. We have meet some wonderful people that I know we'll be friends with for life. We will miss them as we move on but we know where to find them so they will not be forgotten.