Chloe's Interview!

Videos for Mom

I thought that Mom might like to see what the kids are up to. I wrote down five questions and asked Chloe first, who turned it into a long interview and at the end did not want to stop being in front of the camera. For some reason I could not convert the video - I'll work on that tonight. Here is Caden's. I asked Caden some questions and it was a bit more of a challenge. I expanded the questions a bit to make his video like his sister's but it didn't work. The scorpion answer was my favorite...

135 days out, the first third in review.

It is funny how the first 4 months have gone. There have been challenges and triumphs, highs and lows. The story really has become about how the kids have adapted to a situation that they could not alter and how they feel about the whirlwind that surrounds them. The choices that were made affect each person in an individual way that can be both admirable and heart-wrenching. I am sure that Ryanne misses them more than we can imagine. being so far away that you cannot visit can't be any fun either. I think that the last few months have made his time away more difficult for Carl as well. He has had the opportunity to spend more time with them than any other time in the past. Susan & I have also had our moments, both good and bad.

I wonder about the sacrifices that the two kids have made. Their sacrifice was one not of choice but of necessity. It is difficult to imagine the thoughts that go through their heads. So I have asked them about their thoughts and will share their answers over the next week.

110º in the sun

Caden and I went to northern Maine for an adventure these last 5 days. On the trip we saw a jet fighter doing tricks at an air show, bald eagles at the lake, a coyote that ran for about a mile with us as we rode Quads (ATV's) up Moose Mountain, helped him catch his first fish (a catfish), taught him to cast his pole, swam in a lake with fresh water clams...

One of the highlights was a birch bark canoe we made together. We soaked a big piece of Birch bark till it was flexible, used a nail to poke holes in each end, (I held the nail while he hit my fingers with the hammer) tied the ends tight and it sailed great. Here are some pictures of him sailing the boat. (He called it a Birch bark Canal - close enough)

97 degrees of separation

New pictures

I took a bunch of pictures last night - here are two of the better ones. Also, if you haven't written Ryanne, here is her address again!

Spc Soucie, Ryanne
HHC 3-126th Avn
ATF-KU

APO AE 09330

93 days at play...

Chloe loves to swing! I wish I could catch her with her eyes open though!

Happy Birthday!!!

Ryanne turns *** today. (Ooooops the age has been censored)

While Mom is away: last week - this week!

While Mom is away: last week - this week!: "Just got back from movie night at Jen's and a quick trip (yeah right!) to Alison's new house. Caden spent so much time with Brendan & Todd i..."

last week - this week!

Just got back from movie night at Jen's and a quick trip (yeah right!) to Alison's new house. Caden spent so much time with Brendan & Todd in the pool his lips were blue because it began to get cold! He did not want to get out even though he was shivering.

Chloe loved movie night, we watched Toy Story 3, laid on the lawn and stuffed ourselves with cotton candy, popcorn, grapes and drinks.

Thursday Carl has a three day pass so he will get to come see the kids. We most likely are taking them to Lake Winnipesaukee to go boating and tubing.

While Mom is away: 76 days away

While Mom is away: 76 days away: "Here is the tooth picture I promised - sorry about the delay, just a bit hectic around here lately."

76 days away

Here is the tooth picture I promised - sorry about the delay, just a bit hectic around here lately.

First tooth

Caden lost his first tooth - pictures to follow tomorrow.

Ryanne's address

Spc Soucie, Ryanne
HHC 3-126th Avn
ATF-KU

APO AE 09330

2 months away - questions answered...

Ryanne Soucie To answer the questions:1. I miss rain the most2. Does Caden have a wiggly tooth? Which one?3. I have seen tons of camels.. Alive and dead4. the camels have one hump that I can see. The babies are the cutest ever

While Mom is away: Day 67

While Mom is away: Day 67: "Questions from the audience:1. Ryanne, which do you miss more, snow or rain?from Chloe. (She guessed snow) 2. Can you guess who has a wiggly..."

Day 67

Questions from the audience:

1. Ryanne, which do you miss more, snow or rain?

from Chloe. (She guessed snow)

2. Can you guess who has a wiggly tooth?

from Caden

3. Have you seen many Camels yet?

from me

4. Do the camels have 1 hump or two?

from Mom

5. Can you draw detailed maps of your camp and give them to my cousin Abdullah?

from Sheik Mohammed Moumir

6. Is there anything anyone needs that we can send you?

from everyone. They all want to send you something.

65 Days

I had one of those "holy cow!" moments last night. I have spent more of my life with kids than without!

From the desert

I was lucky enough to talk with Ryanne last night. A phone call came in from area code 202 (Washington, DC) and I thought it was a poll. It sounded like Ryanne was still in the states. She told me it hit 120º and the wind felt like someone had turned a hairdryer on high on her. I am hoping she sends us a picture of a scorpion or something creepy crawly soon!

58 days

The kids, Carl, Susan and I went to my friends annual bash at his house in Rehoboth. Beautiful house with it's own water slide, bandstand, helicopter landing pad, pond... in other words just like my house! (Well, minus all the nice stuff it would still be better than our!)

Camp Buehring

People keep asking about where Camp Buehring is - they always seem to think that it is it's own country. The military gives us this crystal clear picture of where it is in the gulf (NOT!)

54 Days, Caden & Chloe's Dad gets to visit!

Susan, Caden, Chloe, Carl (Their daddy) Susan's Brother Wes and I spent the weekend on the Vineyard (Chappaquidick). On a scale of 1 - 10 it was a 12 weekend. The kids got to spend plenty of time with their Dad, the weather was perfect, life was just great. All we were missing was Ryanne.

50 Days

Caden & Chloe's Dad has come to stay with us for a few weeks while he is on leave. We are going to Martha's Vineyard and hopefully will have some great beach pics to post Tuesday.

48 days later

Chloe at her best!

Packages from Mom

I thought Ryanne might like to see Chloe with her favorite new Blankey! Oh, and Emma asked me to post these pictures of her wearing a Lei - strange dog!

2 months + (44 days)

I took Caden to the store to pick a reward for getting dressed in the morning on his own for two straight weeks. He ran around the mall, trying hard to choose, when he found a Bat cave with Batman figures. He hopped into the car and was telling me all the things the set had and then I noticed he was being quiet. I could see the box was still on his lap so imagine my surprise when I get to our next stop and he was sound asleep with the toy on his lap.

I am a lucky man...

Too cool for pool

40 days and 40 nights

I have to give the kids credit. For the sacrifice that they are making, they are holding up very well. Sure Caden gets angry when Chloe pushes his buttons and Chloe has the need to try to interfere with everything Caden does but, and it is a very big but, they are getting along most of the time very well. This picture is about a week old, from a playground in East Bridgewater. Chloe is a little monkey, she can climb just about anything.

Late Breaking News

Chloe and Caden audition for "So you think you can dance". I did find something to clean the lenses of the camera - I hope that the video quality improves.

2nd Month (Day 37)

Here is a video short from Caden's graduation. He was not in the participation mood but we did get some video of him singing. The trouble was everyone kept standing up and getting in front of everyone else. I had to cut it short because a woman ended up standing right in the way. The shaky video was due to a large earthquake that rocked the area every time I video taped. (That's my story and I am sticking with it!)

2nd Month (36 days)

Big day today. Caden's Graduation from Pre-school! I will post some pictures tonight. Here is a top 5 list for this morning.

We have two of the top 5 grandchildren in the whole world. Considering that there is nearly 2 billion Chinese and almost the same amount of Indians in India - that is pretty remarkable. Here is a picture of Caden's pajamas from last night. How cool are they? Also, two pics of Caden doing what makes him the happiest, making things with Legos.

Time to get him ready for the ceremony.

2nd Month (33 Days)

Just a quick post, I shot home for lunch and thought I would share this.

This morning I got up a bit earlier than usual, went downstairs to do my usual routine and I suddenly had the feeling someone was watching me. I was making coffee, and turned to see a lost cow watching me. I wonder if it is one of the facebook lost cows. What do you think?

Day 31

It is the small things in life that you live for!

Chloe, who misses Mom more than ever, was playing out back earlier tonight when she came running in and started to scream to Susan and me "Come quick, come quick, we found treasure!" We followed her outside, under our back deck, where she and Caden had been digging. The had uncovered a length of pressure treated 2x6 that must have been buried when they built the house ten years ago. Chloe then yelled "There's treasure under there! There is a Princess ring for Mimi, a Dora ring for me, a spiderman ring for you Gramps and a Batman ring for Caden! Quick, help me dig, we'll all have rings!"

Later on we had a jam fest, with Guns & Roses "Sweet child o mine" and Queens "We will rock you" Hopefully no one has video of me playing air guitar!

Day 27

I may have to count the days over again - I think I may have screwed up!

Poignant moment last night. Ryanne called and Chloe asked her "Mommy, are you coming home?" When told that she wasn't coming home yet, she was still working, Chloe replied "Why do you have to go to a long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, work?"

Day 26

We have started to sort some things out here! The kids now have a rewards chart that when they go to bed without kicking, punching or otherwise mauling each other they get a star. If they get dressed in the morning they get a second star. After 20 stars - they get the reward they picked out. Caden wants a lego toy, Chloe hasn't told us yet what she wants. Caden has 4 stars, he is very motivated and doing well. Chloe wants to peel Caden's stars off and stick them on her chart! She figures that that is easier than getting dressed herself!

Ryanne is still here in the states, she has yet to leave for overseas, training takes time.

Day 19 (yesterday)

Important answers from yesterday's post.

The Dinosaur Princess and the Dragon, by Chloe Wiger.

The Dinosaur Princess was saved by the Dragon. The Dragon, who was blue and purple (pronounced Pa-werple) with a yellow belly, saved the baby dinosaur too. The baby dinosaur went swimming and crocodiles were going to eat it but the Dragon saved her. The Dragon's name is Brownie.

Day 18

OK, I was a bit sidetracked lately but here goes:

Caden got a new bike yesterday. He'll need some practice before the training wheels come off but I am guessing it will be a quick learning experience.

"The Bedtime Story", by Chloe Wiger, my granddaughter.

There was a witch that lived in a castle. There was a princess that lived in a cave. The witch came to the cave and stole the princess. The cave was a purple cave where the princess lived. The Witch took the princess to the dragon's cave where she was fired. She was fired because the princess left the candy on the floor of the cave and it was dirty so she threw it away.

The special thing about Chloe's fairy tale was the way she tells the story. She concentrates and tells the story in complete seriousness. 3 years old... PS Not sure who got "fired" the witch or the princess, but I think the dragon did the firing. Not sure I would like to be "fired" by a dragon.

Day 10

The Top Secret Project has been temporarily delayed. We will continue to work on an early release.

Thank you,

The Caden & Chloe Initiative

Day 9

Farmer Bob was fixing a tractor so we didn't get to see him. We did get to pat a cow, eat ice cream and pretend that we were ready to harvest the Rye grass.

Day 8

The kids had a great day today. Starting with riding their Gators, watching a movie, taking a ride with their grandmother, Mimi, (Susan is Mimi, I am Gramps or Grampsy). Legos always produce a fight or two but they are such a good time for the kids.

Dylan helped out quite a bit today, which was really nice.

Day 6

Caden was asleep by 9:15 at the very latest! A giant step in the right direction because he has so much trouble getting up in the AM. Chloe still fights the earlier bed time. Independent with a capital I!

Day 5

The kids are going to work on a super top-secret project for their Mom. Shhhhhhhhhhh! Don't tell anyone at all but we are going to make a ... TOP SECRET TOP SECRET TOP SECRET TOP SECRET TOP SECRET

Oh, well, I guess it is top secret and everyone will need to wait until this weekend to find out what we are working on. I guarantee it will be worth your while to check back in.

Just added! Ryanne sent me the two pictures, one is an antenna (I am not sure if she set it up or if it is just the type she sets up - my guess is it is one she set up) and the second is of her in her BDU's with a helmet on. She sent a third picture that I will add tomorrow of the Blackhawks...

Day 4

The kids talked with Ryanne again, this video chat is pretty effective. Sometimes the feed is pretty good, other times it gets choppy. It'll be interesting how much better or worse it gets when she goes to Camp Buehring. (If you google "Camp Buehring" you get a good idea of what it is like in the desert. There are a ton of similar style blogs from people who either were or are stationed there)

Not much else to report!

Day 3

We heard from Ryanne tonight and learned some important facts. Texas is hot. Shots hurt. Chloe has a belly button. Caden says Chloe is hogging the chair. It is like she has never left.

In all seriousness, Ryanne did get her shots today for preparing to go overseas. I know from experience that the Smallpox shot is no fun and she says the anthrax one hurt. Kinda scary that you have to take the inoculations for diseases we consider conquered here in the States.

Toughest thing for us here is trying to get a schedule down that works. The kids were up way too late last night and tonight is not going better. In the morning I get up, let the dogs out, make Susan her coffee, feed the dogs and then get kids dressed. Susan gets their lunches ready, packs their bags for the day, gets herself ready and then takes them off to daycare about 30 - 40 minutes earlier than she is used to.

We are getting somewhat better, they are in the tub and it is only 9pm. Tomorrows goal will be to get them in bed by 9pm.

I know you parents with younger kids out there are saying "gee, it's only two kids" or something of the sort. Man it takes so much out of you.

Day 2

Sunday, May 16, 2010. Reality has set in, Ryanne called the kids from Texas and they handled it pretty well. Chloe wanted to know if Mommy was coming over and Caden has shown his emotions in different ways. He has become quieter than he usually is. Here is a picture of how they will see Mom for the next year.

Stress level is something I'll need to work on. I have forgotten how much work it is.

Departure Day

Day 1A,

Saturday, May 15, 2010.

Ryanne left this morning for the Cape. From there she will be traveling to Fort Hood for desert training.

Day 1

Yesterday, Wednesday, May 12, 2010, my daughter had her deployment ceremony at the MMR (Otis AFB) in Bourne. This ceremony marks the start of two journeys; one of my daughter and her deployment to Camp Buehring in Kuwait; one of my grandchildren coming to live with Susan and me. I wanted to use this blog to document this year, to update the people who care for Ryanne and her children, and to allow people to add their support.

This is my first try at an active blog so it may be a bit crude around the edges.

Ryanne actually leaves for Texas for additional training on Saturday.