Visit with Kyle

Mom, Kyle & Dad


Kyle & James

Kyle came home for a quick weekend trip before he heads to California. He got home at 5 a.m. on Saturday, went to bed for a while, then he came up to James' wrestling meet in time to coach him to a win in his match for first and second place. James was happy that Kyle was able to come and watch him wrestle.

He left around noon today - heading back to Camp Lejeune, NC. A friend from Hudson, Joey Williams (no relation), who is also stationed at Camp Lejeune brought Kyle home and took him back.

Kyle flies to California tomorrow afternoon where he will have his last school before he becomes a Crew Chief on a CH-46 helicopter. His school lasts until September, then he will find out where his permanent duty station will be. He's hoping to be stationed in California with Tim.

Nick in Iraq

We finally got some film developed that Nick sent us from Iraq:


This is a picture of Nick driving a hummer. When they go out on convoy's, they have to wear all of this protective gear (i.e., helmet, flack jacket, etc.).

This is Nick and one of his buddies driving around their base in the Gator that they salvaged and fixed for their own personal use.

Trip to California

Tim & Jill at Camp Pendleton

Barb & Tim at Camp Pendleton

Jill & Mojo checking out the scenery in Nevada

Barb & Mojo in Nevada

On Saturday, March 10th, I flew to San Diego to go visit with Tim and Jill. Tim's unit is being deployed to Iraq, so Jill is going home to Dearborn Heights, MI to live with her parents for the seven months that Tim will be gone. Jill and I drove home in their Dodge Ram one-ton extended cab pick-up truck along with their American Bull dog, Mojo. We left from Camp Pendleton at 1 p.m. on the 16th and arrived at home (Pittsford, MI) on Sunday night at 11:30. What a long trip, but the sights were beautiful. Nevada and Utah are the most beautiful states I have ever been thru. Tim's unit left on the 16th (Friday). First they traveled to March Air Force Base in California; then flew to Bangor, Maine just long enough to refuel the plane; then on to Germany where they were allowed to get off the plane while it refueled again; then on to Kuwait. Tim called us from Kuwait while we were on our drive home. He was tired but fine. From Kuwait he is being sent to Fallujah, Iraq where he will be stationed.

We also hear from Nick a lot. He's stationed in Ramadi, Iraq, but is supposed to be transferred to Fallujah in the near future. It will be nice for Tim and Nick to be together. Nick sent us three camera phones in the mail. I took them to Walmart to get developed, and when I get them back, I'll post some pictures from Iraq!