Disney on Ice

Mom got us tickets for Disney on Ice, knowing what a big fan Grace is of the Disney princesses. It was a showcase of their two latest princesses, Princess Tiana and Rapunzel, and the classic Cinderella, hosted by Mickey and his gang.

The Princess and the Frog

 Cinderella

 Tangled

Then there was a ball hosted by Cinderella and Prince Charming where all the Disney princesses made an appearance.  I was trying not to use my flash, so I wasn't able to get pictures of all of them because it was so dark and there was a lot of movement.

Aerial and Eric 

Snow White and her Prince

 

This sweet princess had a really good time too, especially dancing to all the music.

More Farm Fun

Well, Nebraska has redeemed itself.  While it's still cool, the snow is gone, and it is more suitable for the one thing Grace has been looking forward to doing.

Holding onto CC while Chase saddles her up. 

This was all the horse Naomi needed!

Nikki was so great with her, and Naomi loved every minute of it. 

Riding with Chase as her "training wheels" 

"Tiny", as the girls came to call her, was a trooper!

She didn't even complain with this little girl got her hands on her.  I guess she knew she'd be better off just riding out the storm. 

I had a little fun shooting.  So did Grace, but I was inside with my sick baby boy while she was playing. 

Naomi had so much fun chasing all of the animals.

This kid is a natural on a horse. 

Naomi didn't think that Chase was the best person to ride with. 

But her daddy proved to be okay. 

Meanwhile, Uncle Dana took Grace and Emily for a tractor ride. 

Wichmanns brought over a couple of pigs while we were there, so there were even more animals around for the kids to mess with! 

Grace was all about helping Chase - as long as she got to be on horseback. 

T R O U B L E. 'nuff said. 

 

The kids have had a blast while we've been here! And I'm so glad that we've had this time with family, but I'm not so sure that Dana and Joanie aren't trying to gain another 3 farmhands...

Farewell

The time has come for us to say our goodbyes.  While we are excited to experience our new duty station, we have grown really fond of this one and the people we have met here.  We have seen so many people go before us that it is kind of surreal that it is really us this time.

 

Monday we had David's send off at his office with a potluck luncheon, where he was presented with the prestigious Knowlton Award.  The Knowlton Award was established in 1995 by the Military Intelligence Corps Association (MICA), in support of the Military Intelligence Corps, and recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Army Intelligence in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipients, their superiors, subordinates, and peers.  These individuals must also demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and moral character, display an outstanding degree of professional competence, and serve the Military Intelligence Corps with distinction.

COL Biggerstaff giving his sendoff. 

CPT Song reading the Knowlton Award Citation 

COL Biggerstaff presenting David with the medal. 

SGM Simmons presenting him the plaque with the citation. 

 
 

In true Korea style, David's farewell gift was messed up. 

The poor guy has lost rank twice in this last year! 

I was also nominated to receive the Golden Rose Award. This award is intended to recognize a spouse whose volunteer service contributes substantially to the mission accomplishment of a Military Intelligence (MI) unit, activity, command, or staff agency. Established in 2004 by MICA in support of the MI Corps, the Golden Rose Award is not intended for recognition of a single, short-term event or contribution. It is a prestigious award to recognize volunteer service that makes a substantial contribution to the MI Corps and has a positive impact on the quality of life of soldiers and their families.

 

I am very proud to have received this award, but at the same time had a hard time agreeing that I deserved the recognition.  I do what I do to support my husband and his troops and any family members that I can.  It's the way I was raised.  We are a military family, and we stand by one another in good times and bad, and we help each other in times of need.

Then on Thursday, we had a Battalion Hail and Farewell luncheon.

Today he was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal, another prestigious award.

I'm pretty proud of my man, if you can't tell.  I'm not trying to be boastful on his behalf, but I'm proud of all of the hard work that he does on a day to day basis to keep us all safe.  He spends long days at work to make sure that everything is in order, that his soldiers and their families are taken care of, and that his job is done well and done right.

Finally, today we had a farewell for the kids.  They have made some fantastic friends here, and we wanted to give them an opportunity to have a fun sendoff with their friends.

Bella, Grace, Joy, Johanna, and Grace 

Silas, Andrew, Joshua, and Tristan 

Naomi and Seth