Over Memorial Day weekend we traveled to my parents home in NM to attend my nieces high school graduation. My oldest brother lives near my parents and runs the family ranch. His daughter Ashlee, their third child graduated on Saturday. My brother from NY was there along with my sister and her family from OK. Due to the many miles that seperate us, sometimes we only see each other for these family get togethers at my parents house.

As always it was very good to see everyone. And it is always nice to be "home". My parents have lived in the same house for more than 47 years. Wow!!!!

Here are some photos from the weekend.

No matter how many time I complain about the moving or housing I have to say that I wouldn't change my life for anything. Because of the Military I have meet some really incredible people. Here are some pictures of our weekend get togethers.

Terry volunteered this year to coach Dylan's soccer team. It has been rough going with all the rain, but the team has improved tenfold as they have finally gotten to play a few games. With the help of one of Terry's small group members, who actually still plays soccer the team has learned some valuable skills that will serve them in future seasons. Only one more game to go for the Spring Soccer season.

We left mostly sunny California on Dec 30 and arrived to very wintery Kansas on January 18th. Thought it might be fun to post some before and after photos. To our California friends we miss you guys and the seals barking at night.

Okay now that I know how to do the slide thing you guys are in so much trouble.

Saturday was the big Fishing Derby at the little lakes next to our house. Dylan, Tyler and Terry were staking out their spot at 8:00am. The Derby started at 9:00. Tyler caught his biggest fish before the Derby began, but Dad didn't have a camera. Tyler caught two during the derby, the biggest measuring 14in. Dylan caught one, measuring 15 inches. By the time the Derby had ended it was very hot and they were glad to be done.

Today was the Funeral for Col. James W. Harrison Jr., 47 here at Fort Leavenworth. Here is a link so that you may read more about Col. Harrison.
www.ftleavenworthlamp.com/news/news1.txt

He was killed in Afghanistan by small arms fire. The actual event was very horrible. It is something that makes us all question whether our soldiers can make a difference in Afghanistan and Iraq. They have a way of life that makes any moral person shudder.

All that aside it was a very moving experience to see the support our soldiers have. There is a group of Bikers called the "Patriot Guard" that gather at almost every military funeral to escort the body. Apparently they provide a buffer between the body and any protesters and it is also a huge show of support for the family. Today there was an estimated 100 bikes.
http://www.patriotguard.org/