Kaemon's Preschool Graduation

The kids put on a really nice religious themed singing presentationOur Graduate! First of many to come.Proud parents - This was a team effort. We worked together to make sure Kaemon made it to school by 9 am Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri with a healthy lunch packed and picked up at 1pm.

Aeromedical Officer Graduation May 27, 2010

My wife pinning on my "wings of gold"My supporters for my big day with guest speaker Captain Knight

All smiles in my dress white uniform and new wings

My good-lookin' bunch

I received a pretty cool award called the Surgeon General's Award, presented to an outstanding member of the Student Flight Surgeon class in recognition of scholastic achievement, officer qualities, leadership, and flight aptitude.

What a good mouse trap!

So Dad & I usually keep a few mouse traps set in the furnace/storage room in the basement and IT'S A GOOD THING WE DID! I went in there for something and when I looked down and saw this huge thing in the trap, it freaked me out! I couldn't tell what it was and assumed it was a RAT due to its size! Of course I left it there until your dad got home, then I told him he was never going to believe what I had to show him. He was so funny, he opened the door just a crack and peaked in, afraid of what might pop out at him I think! Any guesses??? Yep, a baby rabbit!! Thats alot better than a rat I think!! But how it got down in the basement is a mystery. Dads going to seal up the wood drop door better, but there is only small little cracks, so how did it get in?? I'm just glad it didn't grow big in there, making all kinds of noises, that would be scary!! Isn't life just full of lovely surprizes?

Tired of winter, wind, and cold!

On May 2nd we got another snow storm, about 5 inches! So we decided to head to someplace warmer-- Roosevelt Lake! We spent a couple of days enjoying the Spring weather!

These are some of the pretty flowers we saw on our little 4-wheeling ride!

We crossed this creek about 6 times, it was beautiful!

At the end of the trail is Reevis Mountain Ranch where Peter Bigfoot has his little sanctuary! He is pretty self sufficient and a really nice guy. He was getting ready to teach one of his many classes he offers in the summer months.

This is one of about 4 or more places where people can stay while taking his classes! If you're interested, you better book right away as they go pretty fast!! His classes do sound interesting, learning about desert plants, surviving off the land, making herb tinctures, etc. Of course, Dad wants to attend some, but they are pretty expensive, probably because of the high class accomodations!

An Exercise of Willpower

So Saturday I traveled 70.3 miles (1.2 by sea, 56 by bike, 13.1 by foot) to complete my first Half Ironman triathlon event. Wow!! This event chewed up my ego and handed it to me on a plate and is the hardest physical thing I have ever done. Multiple times I was gonna call it quits, especially on the "run", by just telling myself "Just make it to the next water station". I have tremendous respect for anyone completing a Full Ironman, an event which I don't care to ever do. You may be asking, Why would someone not only volunteer for such a painful event, but also pay good money to participate? Because it feels so good when you reach the end and it's all finally over.

Thank you Grandma!

I don't think everyone got to see the amazing, beautiful blanket that Mom made for our little guy. I absolutely love everything about it and I know he will too!

She even got his name and her name embroidered on it! So precious!

I love the little guitars, as does Kirk of course! Thanks again to my talented Mother. I can't wait to give it to Rivers... 12 and 1/2 more weeks!

Sunday's photo shoot

My beautiful wife and kids.

My First Triathlon

This morning I did a "sprint" (short distance) triathlon. It was 1/4 mile swim in the gulf of Mexico, a 17 mile bike ride and a 4 mile run. I almost drowned after a wave unexpectedly capsized on top of me during the swim, which was definitely the hardest part for me. It was nice surfing water though. It was fun learning from watching and talking to everyone about how to quickly transition from swim to bike and then from bike to run. It was a blast! I think I've found yet another fun life sport. By the way, I'm up for any brothers or brothers-in-laws (Barry) to join me in any future events.

We're moving to ...

NEW ORLEANS!!! It wasn't our first choice, but we're excited. We'll be there 2-3 years, depending on when I'm accepted to residency. I'll be working as a flight surgeon aboard a Joint Reserve Base where I'll take care of the aviators of 2 Navy squardons, 2 Marine squadrons, 1 Army, 1 Coast Guard and the Louisiana Air National Guard. They fly a variety of helicopters, airplanes and jets and should get the chance to fly in a lot of different aircraft. I'll work in the clinic 4 days a week and have one day a week dedicated to flying. Our next step is to find housing. We're tossing around the idea of living on base, which has a lot of benefits. We'll keep you posted.

Tami's 21st Birthday

Easter Baskets & conference

Watching Sunday morning conference! Becki was giving pedicures!