Pikes Peak

The past two weeks have been FULL of changes for Stoney and me, lots of time with each other and family, and a couple surprises thrown in there too. We moved into our wonderful house on May 20th. Moving, or rather, unpacking is never a barrel of monkeys, but we finally got it done (for the most part). The day after the movers delivered our things, Stoney found out that he was being moved to a different Battalion. A shock to us both, but what was even more of a shock was them telling Stoney that he would be leaving in a week and a half rather than in a couple of months. When you have your mind set on one time frame and it's changed, your whole world is turned upside down for a bit. My intelligent cousin put it to me like that while explaining the similarities between their situation and ours. Matt and Lacy weren't expecting their perfect, beautiful baby boy Braden to come a couple months early, but he did, and he is doing wonderfully! Those couple of months in two very different situations really made a difference in their own right. I trust that the Lord knows what he is doing in every situation. Thank you for your insight, Matt.

So, after we found out about this new change, we hustled to get our house in order. Additionally, we wanted our house looking good because my dad, my cousin Weston, and Stoney's dad would be coming up for a couple of days. We had a great time showing everyone around. It was nice to get out of the house and enjoy this beautiful area. We shopped in Manitou Springs, went to the top of Pikes Peak, and ate WAY too much. We were also so fortunate to be able to go to the Air Force Academy for Cameron Koehler's Commissioning Ceremony. Stoney was honored to be the officer who commissioned Cameron. It was lovely.

The last couple of weeks have been a WHIRLWIND!

This past Wednesday Stoney left for Afghanistan. It was (of course) so hard for us both to say goodbye, but we know that the sooner he leaves, the sooner he gets back. Everyone has been SO supportive to Stoney and me. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated. Please continue to pray for Stoney's safety as well as the safety of all of our service men and women. I will be sending out an e-mail update every couple of weeks to keep everyone informed on what Stoney is up to.
I love you, Stone.

Here are some of my favorite shots from our time with the dads.


My sweet little family.



My dad and me.



I think I'm going to get this one printed on canvas for above our fireplace.



This one of Stoney is my favorite. I took it as the top of Pikes Peak...well, almost the top. We drove all the way to 12,500ft and the remaining road to the very top was still iced over. When we started our drive at 6,000ft the temperature was about 70 degrees. At 12,500ft it had dropped to 31 degrees and there were snow flurries! This past week it snowed three feet on top of the mountain.



Stoney and his dad, Kip.











Manitou Springs, CO





It's a very whimsical little town....I love it.



Cameron's Commissioning Ceremony.