Merry Christmas to friends and family. Our family is geographically separated this year which has seriously hindered our Christmas card efforts. So, I am composing this year's edition from an undisclosed location in South West Asia.
Last year, our biggest Christmas surprise came on 23 Dec when I was notified I would be spending a year away from home. Not the best formula for holiday cheer, but we were able to adjust the departure date so I could be home for the kids' birthday.
The first 4 1/2 months of 2011 were a bit of a blur as I was extremely busy with work. We were still getting settled into our new home and were thankful to get a bevvy of visitors. I hope to continue that trend as soon as I return to the good ole US of A.
On 16 May, it was time to depart for the desert. I certainly have little to complain about as this is my first military deployment. However, missing a full year of the kids' growth has been and will continue to be very tough. I am currently hoping for an early return to spend time with the family.
Speaking of which, Stacie has been quite busy as you may have noticed by her FB traffic. She has been holding down the fort as full time parent, chief financial officer, head groundskeeper, chief of vehicle maintenance, and college student. The life of a stateside mom while dad is deployed is not an enviable one. The good news is that college should be complete this spring and I should be home to assume all of my usual duties shortly thereafter.
Don't be fooled, it's not all sweat and tears. Stacie has been able to make some new friends and some great memories. She and the kids went on a pretty adventurous road trip across UT, ID, WA, OR, and CA to include a trip thru Hell's Canyon. Stacie said the kids were awesome as usual which certainly makes traveling more enjoyable.
The kiddos are learning all sorts of things at the Kinder Prep Academy. They are growing up so fast. I have started getting cards that they clearly have contributed to. Deegan is very interested in karate and transformers (especially Bumble Bee) and Kenna is interested in dancing and all things girly.
The Drake family would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Cherish the time you have with loved ones, you can never get it back.
Don't be fooled, it's not all sweat and tears. Stacie has been able to make some new friends and some great memories. She and the kids went on a pretty adventurous road trip across UT, ID, WA, OR, and CA to include a trip thru Hell's Canyon. Stacie said the kids were awesome as usual which certainly makes traveling more enjoyable.
The kiddos are learning all sorts of things at the Kinder Prep Academy. They are growing up so fast. I have started getting cards that they clearly have contributed to. Deegan is very interested in karate and transformers (especially Bumble Bee) and Kenna is interested in dancing and all things girly.
The Drake family would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Cherish the time you have with loved ones, you can never get it back.
1 comment:
It was great seeing you contribute to the blog Erik and get your perspective on the year. Everyone is looking forward to your return this year.
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