Well, hello...

  We're getting used to the lazy days of Summer so I thought I'd pop in and say howdy.  The boys and I are trying to keep busy to make time pass faster.  We just got home from a trip to visit friends further west in Germany, Belgium and a Harry Potter Tour of England.  The tour actually wasn't that great for kids.  It was an awful lot of bus time.  I loved rolling along through the English countryside but the boys... not so much.  If you have little Potter fans and are heading to London... Platform 9 3/4 can be found at Kings Cross Station.  It isn't on the tracks for safety reasons.  Once inside, just ask someone and they'll point the way for you.

Dan will be on a plane exactly one month from today for his two-week R&R (which we'll spend a week of in Shetland).  He should arrive in Germany a couple of days later and then we'll have him for two whole weeks.  After that it's all down hill.  The boys will start school a week after he leaves, before you know it the Holidays will be here and he'll be home in February.

We'll be moving back to the States in May.  There's been a slight change in plans.  We aren't going to Ft. Drum, NY now.  We're going to West Point!!  We're thrilled.  The rock of guilt has been taken off my shoulders.  I know Dan didn't want to go to upstate NY because of the weather and the size of the office (it's big and he's ready for a break).  He was doing it so I could be near my family in New Hampshire.  Now we'll still be six-hour drive away (highway driving instead of back roads), but we'll be a little closer to everything else.   NYC is only a 45 min train ride away.  Most importantly....  RHINEBECK is only ONE HOUR away!!!  There are fiber possibilites all over the place.  I'm just a tad excited.

Anyway, I've kind of missed blogging.  I have lots to catch you all up on when I start again in the Fall.  Just wanted to give a little shout out to let you know that we're hanging in there.  This is the first time I've ever had another wife to share a deployment with and it's helped out a lot.  Our kids are all about the same ages.   Daniel and her oldest son have been in the same class since 3rd grade. I've gained a terrific friend through this and I'll be forever grateful to her.  I was just about a rock bottom right about the same time I stopped blogging and she has just been the greatest pick-me-up. It's just nice to have someone else around that's going through the same stuff.  Deployments are not easy for anyone involved but it sure is a blessing to have someone to share it with.

I know... I know... you want to see "her".  I get more emails asking about Her Royal Highness than anything else.  Here's our Aggie, all grown up.  I took this over Memorial Day Weekend so she was 8 1/2 months old in it. 

She's just under 13 lbs now. I hope she's done. I bought a bike basket for her and it will only hold 7kg:

Comments

[Jennifer]

OMG - West Point is right here! You can come knit with us. YIPPY! I'll be checking in more regularly as I hadn't in quite a while. I'm sayling lots of prayers for you (and I'm in heaven that we'll be relatively closeby!). God bless.

[Laura]

I'm so glad you're back! And I'm glad you'll have your husband back for a couple of weeks. I'll be going to Rhinebeck this October (from Alabama) - I wish this were the year you'd be going so that perhaps we could meet. Maybe someday... .

[sockladyspins]

Practically perfect, just back from the Orkneys and I find a new blog from Jean. Had a great time there and you were sorely missed.

[ellen]

Welcome Back to blogging! I check every once and a while and I was so pleased to read about you and your family. Pop in every once and a while and we can chat!

[Valerie]

Welcome back! Missed you...good to 'read your voice'!

[Jean]

Jean, so glad to hear all is well. I'm looking forward to getting caught up in the fall and hope the next several months go speedily and your family reunited with ease.

[Jewel]

I was so excited to see a new post! Your boys have grown so much and so has your adorable Aggie. I'm glad to hear of your plans of coming back to the states. Enjoy your R&R time with hubby!

[yvette]

Hi Jean Glad things are going well for you, hope you have a fantastic 2 weeks with Dan home. Your boys and Aggie look as cute as always, take care Yvette

[Kathy]

So glad all is going well! The boys are adorable, and miss Aggie is cute as a button as well. Wishing you an easy move abck to the states.

[poormary]

Hi Jean!! Glad you had a chance to post. Sounds like things are going well and the boys and Aggie look great. I think you are right, time will fly especially after school starts. I have an old school mate at WP. Not sure what he does, something to do with alumni stuff. You've been missed here!

[Lynne]

hi Jean! I'm so glad to see you! well, I am happy about your move to West Point, however, I am a bit disappointed that you won't be able to meet me in Syracuse or come to knit on my porch...or can you?

[KT]

Yippee!! So completely excited to hear from you. 10th Mountain is great but COLD. And you are closer to me (in DC) by being at West Point. Waaaahooooo! Could not be more excited to see you post and hear your news. Totally selfish, I know- just can't help it.

[Leslie C.]

GREAT to see a post from you. Have a wonderful 2-weeks! I'm so glad you found someone to help you through the deployment. Having been there many times, I can appreciate the support! Take care and we'll look for more in the months to come. We hope. Aggie's looking so grown up!

[Becca]

how exciting to be in Rhineback ... your puppie is lovely! I haven't visited in an age but glad to hear that you and your fmaily are well.

[Kim]

Howdy!! I'm sorry to hear that you will not be closer to New England, but happy to hear that it is a good move for you all. Aggie in the basket is priceless!

[Daryl]

So glad to read your post about your trip the boys, and your beautiful lady. I hope life is calmer for you in the fall when the boys go back to school. I miss the inspiration of reading your blog and looking at the lovely pictures. Daryl

[Erica]

West Point sounds awesome. I'd love to go there since my family is in NYC, but with Royd's MOS it'll never happen. Glad to hear you are doing well. Aggie is so cute!

[Angie]

Good to hear from you, glad you all are doing well. I am thinking good thoughts for your family

[Rose]

Hi Jean, Thanks for the update!!! So very happy to see everyone is doing well, especially HRH. Glad to hear your spirits are up and will continue sending prayers for everyone.

[Lisa]

Hi Jean, Thanks for the update. Glad to hear you are doing well. Hope you and the boys enjoy the rest of the summer. And of course, all good thoughts and thanks to Dan. Best, Lisa

[Rose]

Jean, so wonderful to hear from you! I'm glad to know that you are all well. It's great to see your handsome sons and thanks for the photo of the Queen of Everything-she's beautiful.

[Catherine]

Hi, Jean. What a thrill to see a new blog entry from you. I check most days to see if a new entry will be made and presto! I was glad to hear about your getting support from a friend in a similar position. Most importantly, I am happy that you will only be a short train ride away from NYC when you come back to the states. I hope to be able to connect with you at some time then. Aggie is growing up and just adorable! When you have time, check Amazon books, title of "Schnoodle." Yep, it's my Katie on the cover. We are so proud! God bless you. Catherine

[Benne]

Jean, I'm so glad to see you back and the pictures of the boys, growing up and so handsome. And that Aggie! What a doll! It will be great to have you stateside. That much closer to meeting in person. I hope the next few months fly by for you and your family.

[Rossana]

So happy to read your post today, and thanks for the latest Aggie photo! I'm also glad to hear you have developed a deep friendship with another military wife who is going through what you've been going through. May both of your loved ones come home safely. Sending big cyber hugs to you!

[Rebecca]

Good to see you back again!