In January, Marc, my brother-in-law Jason, our friend Steve, and I went to Arkansas (home sweet home) for the guys to go duck hunting. It's our 2nd annual wild game weekend. We had a few more friends join us this year, and the guys have now an unofficial duck club called the Fat Mallard Duck Club. It's led by the Phantom Guide, Hugh. His wife, Priscilla, has been my friend since we were 10 years old. She and Hugh live right in the middle of the Atlantic Flyway and there is some really good Duck hunting to be had near their home. We were also joined by another lifelong friend, Derinda, and her boyfriend, Paul. Jacob came down from Northwest Arkansas to hunt with the guys. We had a great time visiting, cooking, and hanging out in our PJ's and the guys had fun hunting each morning. We love that we have this little tradition with our friends!
Me & Marc with a few ducks |
Priscilla & Derinda |
Jacob, Brandy, Me & Marc |
The WHOLE group at the DU banquet |
Brandy, Me, Priscilla, & Derinda |
Class of '98 good friends, good times...Brandy, me, Jacob, Priscilla & Derinda |
Steve, Marc, Hugh, Jacob, Jason & Paul at the Ducks Unlimited banquet |
Hugh, Paul, Jason, Marc, Steve, Jacob & Drake(The Dog)...and their Ducks for the weekend |
I drive it back and forth to work because my commute is 3 miles and Marc's is 40. He has weekend visitation and I have custody. Ahh, it reminds me of home!
Maximus has been busy growing like a weed. He has tripled his weight since we got him. Remember what he looked like?
It's hard to believe how little he was, because we're pretty sure we should have named him Frank the Tank. He's huge! He weighs 74 pounds now, and there's no way I could hold him like a baby anymore!
My favorite spot on the couch |
Just relaxing in the sun |
I LOVE the sunshine! |
Waiting for Marc to get back home |
my poor baby in the cone. I feel so bad for him. |
Marc & Me for my Birthday |
Me & Eric |
a very giddy me |
Marc's steak before... |
Marc's steak after...Eric said that Marc eats steak like a surgeon |
Truffle Mac & Cheese and WINE! |
the very full dinner party |
Brent & Me! |
Vinny, Eric, Chris, & Mike |
Vinny, Me, Eric, & Chris |
Mike, Me, & Danielle |
Eric, Me, & Chris |
Me, Russ, & Brent |
Chris & Marc |
This past weekend, We went to Arkansas again for a memorial for my brother, Justin. The Oden High School Fellowship of Christian Students raised money to dedicate the flag pole to Justin's memory. It was very sweet of them, and the result of their hard work is priceless to us.
This year, March 5th marked 5 years since Justin and 6 other soldiers were killed in Iraq. The Ceremony at Oden School was on Sunday, March 4th. Members of the community, the Patriot Guard Riders, and the VFW were present to honor his memory. It was a beautiful day with just enough wind to keep the flags waving gently in the breeze. It was gorgeous, and the kids worked hard to make a lovely memorial for Justin.
The Stone Memorial. The other three sides read: THE FREEDOM OF THE MANY IS PROTECTED BY THE BRAVERY OF THE FEW. FCS 2012 |
Heidi, Jacob, Paul, Derinda, Me, Marc, Priscilla, Hugh, Sarah, Dessie, Christian & Blake |
The whole crew |
One of the State Representatives, Mom, & Me |
Me reading Justin's Silver Star Narrative |
The VFW color Guard |
Mrs. Couch, the FCS sponsor and organizer of the dedication |
Flagpole with flagline in background |
The Flags in the wind |
Flagpole |
The Patriot Guard Riders' Flag Line |
And I know that was a REALLY long blog, but I had a pretty long hiatus to catch up on. I hope you all have a great week and I'll try to be better about keeping caught up on here too!
Cheers,
Kelli
Thanks for getting everyone up to date again!
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