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.