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To my fashion-savvy family and friends: Is this "Shad's wedding" worthy?

Ode To Oscar

Oscar turned 1 last month! So I thought I'd do a little tribute because I think he's pretty cute and I know at least my neice and nephews will appreciate the effort.

Up and Coming Professionals

Here are Sam and Lucy demonstrating their state-of-the-art bowling methods. Their goal was to intimidate the pins by rolling the ball really slowly down the lane. By the time the ball gets to the pins, their so shaken up that they fall right over. Brilliant!

Vacationing in the Desert

If you're worried about visiting the desert because you think there isn't anything to do in 110+ heat, think again. Amber and the kids were our first test group of visitors and

their trip was a success! We spent time at the pool, the McDonald's Playplace, the bowling alley, and the air conditioned house. It was super fun. So what are you waiting for-book your Mojave Desert summer getaway while there's still time!

We went to the March Air Force Base air show with Amber and her family. The most amazing part was how messy the kids got while eating some chocolate ice cream. The baby I'm holding is Amber's youngest-Ben (don't get any ideas...)

The Marine Corps Ball

Danny's new battalion celebrated the Marine Corps birthday in Las Vegas. We got to dress up and eat good food-two of my favorite things.

USMC Life

I got to attend an event held for spouses to learn more about the goings-on here at the base. After playing dress up we were trucked out to one of the urban training areas and shown around. The training area was designed by a movie set producer to look just like a typical middle eastern city. It was only a mile or two from "mainside" base, but really did feel like another country.

Oscar meets the relatives

We stopped to see family on our move out to CA. Oscar got to meet some other family dogs-Rosie and Sugar. Once Rosie stopped trying to kill Oscar they had a pretty good time together. And after Oscar scared Sugar so bad that she pooped herself, they had a pretty good time too. Meeting relatives can be so stressful! p.s. Oscar got a summer haircut and really looks like a mut now. Poor dog!

The Big Day

August 4, 2006. No regrets (besides not getting to eat any of the reception food).

Oath of Enlistment (Take Two)

At the end of February we took the next step in our change of profession. Amy was able to attend the swearing in ceremony and we are now both officially on Active Duty/ Dependant status. Amy's already made the trip to the commissary on base, I'll be picking up my newly tailored uniforms on Saturday, and hopefully we'll be finding out when and where we're leaving this week.

Vegas, Baby

Earlier this summer, I took a trip out to Las Vegas to teach a shooting course. Amy flew out to CA to visit Amber, and was able to stop by in Vegas for a few days. It was a good time. We saw the Blue Man Group (which was way cool), the world's biggest chocolate fountain, and all the amazing hotels (we especially loved the Venetian).

Oscar the Pup II

Oscar continues to grow bigger every day. He's on his third kennel, but it's already too small for him. He sleeps on the floor anyway. A couple of days ago we left him alone for a few hours during the day... I guess he was bored because he chewed up the corner of our window sill. So, I cayanne peppered the whole thing. Then he chewed up the leg to our table. So yesterday, Amy let him chew on a stick... which made him sick, so he threw up a bunch of stick chunks. He's a lot of fun, although he tries Amy's patience daily. Lately he's been doing a lot of barking, which is not cool. So I've had to jack him up a little to let him know who's in charge. Other than that, he's been a good dog...who really likes yogurt.

Savannah

This fall Amy and I had the chance to drive down to Savannah, Georgia. We ate at an ok restaurant and walked around downtown. The city was really old and had some of the original cobble stone streets and old buildings. Pretty cool. On our way back home, we stopped in Hilton Head, SC to do some kayaking. That was pretty fun too. We saw some dolphins and other ocean critters. All in all it was a good trip- aside from the fact that we were still in the Dirty South.

Mitt Romney's Visit

Mitt Romney was in town last night! Danny and I got to see him speak here at a local restaurant. We got to see history in the making (Courtney-Mitt says "Hi")

Charleston

We recently moved to the Charleston area in South Carolina. It's a beautiful part of the country! We miss the west a lot, but are taking advantage of this chance to try something new.

Doc's Wedding

Doc's wedding in August gave Danny and his friends from the Marine Corp an excuse to have a reunion. These guys are like brothers to one another, and had a great time together.

Washington DC

We've been up to the DC/Virginia area twice this year. Once for Clint's graduation, and once for Thanksgiving. Besides the monuments and history packed into DC, I must say that my 2nd favorite place to visit there is IKEA!