Our Big Move!!

Our last sunset in Queen Creek

Well we made our big move and remind me not to ship Dusty off to the Army and then move your family within a week. That was definitely too rough for Niran!! Of course being in the military we may find ourselves doing something similar, but at least I'll be better prepared.


My mom, brother and nephew showed up Friday after Dusty left to pack up the house and head to our new home in Reno. Niran was a big help as well as my family!

We left in the early afternoon as soon as the trailer was packed up and made our drive to Las Vegas. Niran didn't make it out of the neighborhood and if I remember correctly, he slept almost all the way to Vegas.

He even got to stay in his first hotel room. Well, technically second, but he was 2 months old, we got to the hotel really late and left as soon as we woke. Mostly because it was a not so good neighborhood and I was really scared their was going to be a shooting. Soooo, I won't count that. This one we actually stayed!!

When we got to Reno, we had all sorts of family there to help us unload the trailer so we could get it turned back in. It was a very quick move for us, but I am so thankful for my family's help during that time.

I thought I had taken pictures of our little apartment that we had there, but I cannot find them for the life me at this moment. I'm actually very saddened by this. I always said that I would take pictures of all of our home's so that Niran could be able to look back and see where he grew up and I am already off to a bad start. The house in Queen Creek is missing as well as the apartment at my mom's. Oh well, I got pictures of this house so I know I can start from his 2nd birthday!!

November 16, 2009 - Time to Dusty to the Army

Very early Monday morning, Dusty recruiter picked him up to take him to Pheonix MEPS for final processing before being sent to Basic Combat Training (BCT). I did some cleaning until Niran woke up and Dusty's Dad, Udon picked me up to go and visit Dusty for his final swear in.

Patiently waiting

Listening some great words of wisdom

The swear in

Waiting to sign paperwork

We left Dusty to finish up some things at MEPS while we took Niran home to take a nap before we met Dusty at the hotel for dinner in the evening.

I don't think we made it out of the parking garage. He walked so many laps at MEPS, luckily everyone loved him and thought he was just so cute!

Later that evening once Dusty got situated at the hotel, Udon, Kim and I went for dinner and final visit with Dusty. It was absolutely wonderful and I am so glad we made it up there. Saying good-bye at that point was incredibly difficult, but Niran was wonderful on the drive home. He gave Mama lots a hugs and kisses.

Dusty flew out to Ft Jackson on November 17th. I got my first call from him November 22 with a quick update that he was officially started BCT on the 23rd! I got another call on Thanksgiving, which was kept short and to the point. My first letters came after Thanksgiving and they are so important to me! Phone calls haven't often, but it's great to hear his voice!

Last Day with Dusty

November 15, 2009 was our last day together as a family before the Army was in charge of Dusty and before we'd see him again for awhile. For lunch we picked up some Chipotle and went a park in Queen Creek for a little fun.

Dad and Niran enjoying time together!

Playing at the playground

Later that evening we went to dinner one last time together and then met The Hasens cousins and grandma and grandpa for frozen yogurt before a final good-bye

Dusty's Family Going Away Party

On November 14, 2009 we headed up to Dusty's Dad's house for our going away party with family. It was a really nice afternoon with family and food. Dusty was able to talk to his Grandpa and other family members about their time in the service. I think Dusty enjoyed it! I'll stick to pictures for this post!

Guy Time!

Fun Time for all the kids!

Photos with family...and best friend!

Dusty's Going Away Party with Friends

We went to Dave & Buster's for Dusty going away party with his friends. He had really been wanting to go and this was a great time to go!

I am somehow missing the 3rd table. Sorry :O(

Niran, well past his bedtime with all the tickets his friends got him! He got a bunch himself too!!

You'd think they'd get enough Guitar Hero at home!

Some last minute bonding time before saying good-bye to Dusty!

Catching up!

I know it's been forever since I really posted what has been going on, but to put it simply IT HAS BEEN HECTIC!!! I'm pretty sure this has been my first day that I didn't have anything that had to be done since before the wedding. Granted we do need to get ready to leave for our mini-vacation tomorrow, but I can spend maybe 30 minutes on that tonight. For now I'll catch you up on all the happenings.

We carved pumpkins with Aunt Brandi, Uncle McKay and all the cousins and went trunk or treating in Queen Creek. Niran had fun handing his bucket out to collect candy. Even had his first sweet tarts and candy bar!

We went to Fountain Hills for lunch and frisbee with Uncle Ry-Ry

I also finally finished the quilt and pillow for our friends, Lincoln and Melanie's baby. Who happens to be here now! Dec 11, Gemma Dylan!

I Got My Letters From Dusty...Finally!

I have been waiting, not very patiently. And I was disobedient!!! When I talk to Dusty on Thanksgiving he said to wait for his first letter before giving out his address. I finally gave up thinking I had misunderstood him and gave out his address. The next day (today) I got 3 letters and the first one said not to give out his address and to have letters sent to me first. He said it was b/c you have to runn 400m for each letter, but after that he mentioned he rolled his ankle and it was swollen and bruised. He can't go to sick bay otherwise he starts over :O( So he's sucking it up, which I think is a very good reason for fewer letters. He's doing good, but definitely needs encouragement!! I'm sending him a package tomorrow since the PX did not have everything he needed. I didn't miss him a whole lot until I got his letter and now I miss him terribly. I wish I was there to give him a great big hug and let him know how proud of him I am!!! I'm nearly 100% sure we'll be in AZ for Christmas. I need to get everything sorted out, but will let everyone know when I know!!! Take care everyone!!