Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Saying good-bye...

We are saying good-bye. It's been an extraordinary 15 years. This past weekend Russell finished his final drill with the National Guard. He has proudly served our country for the past 15 years and spent 15 months away from us serving in Iraq. He has served with the Washington Army Reserves, Utah National Guard, Arizona National Guard and Oregon National Guard. We are so proud of our soldier husband/dad. The fine example he is of patriotism and I hope our boys can be just like him.

Russell just before boarding the plane leaving for Iraq. Taken April 2003.
Last night Russell was letting the boys try on his flack vest before returning it this Friday. Here is Nephi - the picture didn't turn out too well.
Russell helping Michael.
Donovan's turn.
Christopher opted for the helmet too! I even tried the vest on. The weight was tolerable. Russell said it was missing 45 lbs of ceramic (I think is what he said) things that are bulletproof. They have spots they slide into around the vest. That would be way too heavy for me.

2 comments:

Carrie said...

YAY for you all! GRATZ and GREAT JOB RUSS & CANDACE!!!

Eileen said...

the little boys look like they're having a lot of fun. chris looks way too "professional" (like the jacket and helmut were made for him) - so watch out they don't mistake him for a shortish soldier and try to recruit him. donovan, meanwhile, looks suspicious - like he's been watching the debates and questioning who in the heck the candidates are - and what makes them qualified to run a country. amazing what a few family snaps can bring out! hugs..ellie

I just love this picture! The beach...it's the place to be!

I just love this picture!  The beach...it's the place to be!
I think this was in 2004. It was Nephi's first trip to the beach. The boys were all so little! My have they grown.

Meet the Parents...Russell and Candace

Meet the Parents...Russell and Candace
It all started for us when Russell left for Cape Town South Africa on a mission. Candace felt inspired to write him - so she did! We wrote for 3 1/2 years. Candace came home from her mission to the Texas Houston East Mission and we dated for 5 months. We married in July 1994 and have been happy ever after!

Son 1...Donovan

Son 1...Donovan
Our 14 year old boy scouter, 50 miler bike rider, cartoon drawer, computer gamer, book reader, clarinet player, babysitter, 8th grader boy!

Son 2...Christopher

Son 2...Christopher
Our 13 year old, boy scouter, harry potter computer gamer, lego creator, imaginator, book reader, 6th grader boy!

Son 3...Michael

Son 3...Michael
Our 9 1/2 year old drama king, perfectionist (I wonder if he gets that from mom? lol), drawer of many things, 3rd grader boy!

Son 4...Nephi

Son 4...Nephi
Our8 year old keeper of surprises, leg breaker, book listener, lego creator, music enjoyer, 1st grader boy!