As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

With Veterans Day only hours away, I'm taking time to reflect on all of the men and women who are bravely serving our country. It's hard to imagine a military lifestyle that isn't peaceful and serene like the life we have here on Edwards Air Force Base, but I know for many serving and for those who love them - peace and serenity are far from reality.

May we never forget the sacrifices made by those who serve and who have served. Freedom isn't free.

In memory of Mark "Dash" Graziano

October 2, 1978 - May 21, 2009

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. ~Margaret Atwood

March

We ambitiously started the month by mowing our yard for the first time. Considering it was the first time I've touched a lawn mower since 2006 ~ I was excited! We have a great yard and our whole family has enjoyed something other than "desert landscape".

We also had a 'brew party' at Mark Graziano's house, a baby shower for fellow classmate Kip & his wife Tiffany, a coffee for the wives and Ashton & I flew back to Iowa for 'spring break'. The days flew by... For me, anyway! Brandon's schedule has gotten more hectic and has had a lot of tests, papers, and check rides. He's also been busy wrapping up his Master's degree from University of Tennessee.

{Many of the 09A members enjoying Mark's special brew - drinking out of fruit jars.}

Kip & Tiffany's baby shower was planned perfectly! Baby Vienna, who was scheduled to arrive in April, ended up joining their family a few weeks early!

{Each couple was given a chunk of play-doh and a prize was awarded to the team that created best baby. We - unfortunately - lost.}

{Katie, Amber, Tiffany, & Maribel}

The last Saturday in March, we had an Easter Egg Hunt at one of the parks on base. As you can see by the pictures, all of the guys in Brandon's class participated in Mustache March. *Sigh. I have never been one to celebrate April Fool's Day, but this year was an exception. I was sooo ready to see that facial hair go away.

{Good-bye, Mustache. Good-bye, March.}

"February is merely as long as is needed to pass the time until March."

February at Edwards started as a dreary and windy month. Although only three hours from Las Vegas, the climate is completely different. I thought all deserts were the same... How wrong I was! Brandon's work load didn't seem to hectic yet, so we managed to watch a lot of movies and take in some of the California scenery.

The kids activity this month was to bake and decorate Valentine's cookies for all of the single students in the class. Ashton was way more interested in the stickers than the cookies...

On Valentine's Day, our family drove to Malibu and dipped our toes into the Pacific. Ashton loved the ocean and the beach and all that went along with it. It wasn't warm enough to "swim", but she did manage to get herself completely soaked playing on the shore.

Brandon flew a 'new' jet this month, too. During the beginning stages of TPS, he flew only the T-38 to get reacquainted with the aircraft. Now he's flying the T-38 and the F-16. He's very excited to add more airplanes to his list and loves the experience each one gives him.

On the 27th of February, we did a little day trip to Tehachapi with our friend Lindsay. It's a quaint little town that boasts having four seasons {a rarity in these parts}. It's located in a valley between gorgeous mountain's topped with experimental windmills.

And, finally - Ashton continues her love for coloring and all things art related.

If you are still talking about what you did yesterday, you haven't done much today. ~Author Unknown

How in the world did nearly seven months manage to pass without any updating? This TPS experience has been amazing, but it has honestly been flying by. I thought it would drag on as Brandon studied and worked ~ and Ashton and I would be up to our own devices to find entertainment in the desert. I couldn't have been more wrong! Between play dates and social events, our calendars have been booked. Here's a glimpse back to bring everyone up to speed:

~ January ~
We spent much of our first month just trying to get acquainted with the local area.
We also got acquainted with our fellow TPS friends (whom now seem more like family). Aside from the 1st Friday and Road Rally mentioned below, we also had some dinners out with the classmates, hosted dinner for the single students, had a 'ladies roll call' for the wives while the men were at the Club, we (the wives) were honored at a Welcome Coffee at the Commandant's home, and Brandon spent a weekend in Vegas for a Dos Gringos concert.

There is no such thing as an ordinary day.

Another weekend is upon us. Is it just me, or is time flying by? Probably not for everyone in the Midwest who have had to endure some bitterly cold January days ~ but, for us - it's hard to believe we've been here for two weeks! It's finally starting to look like a normal house here - especially after I was left alone for several hours today while Brandon and Ashton had a 'date'. I was able to hang most of the pictures and do a sizable chunk of organizing. It felt great to get some things in order, although my shopping list continues to grow with items I feel we *need* to have in order to complete my nesting process.

Brandon had a silly little day with Ashton from what I've been told. She's quite the talker these days, and I'm sure she kept the questions and comments flowing at a continuous rate the entire time they were gone. They started their date by touring some of the museums on base & ended with a tasty meal at McDonald's. Here are a few snapshots he took while they were being tourists...

Charging toward the B-52 ~ which she would describe as being a 'huge airplane'.

Posing pretty in front of the SR-71. I wonder if she'll always be a willing participant in her father's quests to explore all things airplane related??

I'm also attaching a few more pictures which were taken the same day as Brandon's class picture {see previous blog}. We've met some great people & I'm sure at the end of these 49 weeks we'll look back at these pictures and remember how awkward and nervous we all were.

The class & their better halves. :)
I'm not sure what the relevance of this picture is - but, it'll be fun to look back upon this experience and remember all of the faces that made Edwards AFB bearable.

“A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”

We have survived the first week of Test Pilot School and are happy to report that the transition into California living has been smooth. Last Friday, the school had a 1st Friday event so all the families could meet. Ashton was excited to see a LOT of little people her size to play with! On Saturday, the 'senior' class hosted a Road Rally where they had the junior class (ie: Brandon & his fellow classmates) and their families driving all over the base looking for random things. We're not quite sure how this happened, but out of six teams - we managed to win! Yay us!!

{In case you're wondering what this random picture is - this is the sight we see as we stare blankly across the barren desert ... aka Edwards Air Force Base. Jealous, aren't you?}

Ashton was also very excited last Friday when several packages arrived on our doorstep. Thank you all for all the fabulous pink things that she got! Even the bubble wrap was pink...

On a final, and extremely exciting, note ~ tonight Ashton *asked* to use her 'potty chair'. And - it was a success!! Now... let's hope this more than a one-time deal. Wish us luck!!

Simple pleasures are priceless treasures.

Our little lady turned two today.

She had a pretty fun day celebrating. Thanks to everyone who called to wish her a happy birthday! We truly appreciated it!

We're getting settled into our new house, but still have a long way to go before it can completely feel like home. We have met a few neighbors, have some events planned for this weekend, and can't wait to see what this year has in store for us. We don't have internet at our house yet, so my posts will continue to be sporadic for about another 2 weeks. Once we get everything hooked up, I hope to write more! Until then - hope everyone has gotten off to an amazing start in 2009! Cheers!