Peace

Natalie and Alan are off to sunny Florida until next Thursday—lucky dogs! Actually, Alan worked very hard to win the trip for being so exceptional at his job. My mom and I are “playing parent” to the kids while they’re gone. Not too hard of a task—they are good kids who do most things for themselves. Today was pajama day at Derek and Megan’s school (or at least that is what they told me!) I love that Meg will pose for a picture anytime, anywhere and really ham it up. I didn’t ask Derek to pose. I figure at his age he’s probably too cool for a pj day photo.

While Wally was home last week, we had a little birthday dinner for his daughter, Brandy. He was also able to see he oldest son, Zac, as well as his mom and several of his friends. We tried to fit in as much time as possible together during the three days he was at home. Unfortunately, I had to work for two of those days, but we managed to soak in as much as we could before he went back on the road. He's currently in Tenessee en route to Pennsylvania.

Happy Birthday, Brandy!!!

Wally's daughter, Brandy, turns 23 today.

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

We love you!

I can’t believe that you are now 23 years old! I certainly enjoy the time we spend together, which unfortunately isn’t enough these days. I am so proud of you and I hope that you will always find happiness. I am very blessed to have such wonderful children and it has been amazing for me to watch how fast you have grown up. Please know how much your dad loves you and supports you in all that you do. Have a great day and may you have a memorable birthday with many more to come!

With love,
Dad

Homeward Bound

FINALLY, after being out on the road for nearly three weeks straight, Wally is headed WEST for a couple days of home time! Ask me if I'm just a little bit excited!!

Fish Bowl Classic 2010

Jake had a swim meet yesterday and he did so well! He was two seconds away from qualifying for state! He is turning into quite the skilled swimmer these days. He shaved 10 seconds off his previous time for the breast stroke. I am so proud of him!!

Note to self: take actual camera next time for zooming purposes instead of using cell phone.

Jake, waiting to swim (center in white cap)

Preparing to dive (standing center in white cap, lane 1)

Swimming the breast stroke (in water, lane 1)

Life on the road

So, Wally finally has a day off from driving truck, but he is all the way out in Oklahoma! He called me this morning so excited that he was going to be able to watch the championship football games being played today, but the only place he could find with a television was the truck stop laundry mat. I don't know why, but I find this pretty funny! I guess you take what you can get while out on the road. He did say that he got a front row seat (in a laundry mat, mind you) just in time for the first game to begin. A little different than watching it at home on the couch on his big screen. Ever the optimist, he's making the best of it. Luckily, they are selling popcorn for $0.52 as a game time snack! That makes it all better, right?

Wally had his first experience picking up a load in a cave--A CAVE! I guess they are big on caves in Missouri. All I can say is, boy has some backing skills!!

On the Road Again....

Wally has completed his time driving with a trainer and is out on his own! He's very excited to be starting this new adventure that is now his full-time job. It's taken some adjusting on both our parts to adapt to being apart so much, but we're plugging along and feel grateful for our wonderful families and all of the blessings we've been given. It's been a great start to what looks to be a great new year!!