Summer Fun

I can't believe summer is over in 1 week!!! And I was wondering what I was going to do with the girls for 2 1/2 months...

We have had a very busy few weeks. After his change of command, Mike stayed in MS while the girls enjoyed a few more weeks in FL. We even went to the famous Destin tracks for some fun which was a little crazy because it was so hot. The girls loved the racing cars.

The packers/movers came from 22 Jun - 24 Jun. We then drove to MS and stayed in TLF (Temporary Lodging Facility) until 29 Jun when our movers showed up with our 'stuff'. I have to admit that even though this move was the best for us (3 hours away so easy drive), it was the worst. The packers did a horrible job, we have some broken items and everything was mixed together (kitchen with bedroom...). We settled in our new house pretty quickly (more pictures soon). Our neighbors are very nice and the girls have a lot of friends their own age. We do miss our friends in FL a lot though... :-(

Our new house on Keesler AFB

Happy 4th July

Mid-July, we took our first trip with our new Honda Odyssey and loved it. That is definitely a great car for long trips (and short as well). We drove to Indianapolis to celebrate Mike's Uncle and Aunt's 50th Wedding Anniversary!!! We had a great time and were able to meet and see some of Mike's family again. The girls loved playing with all their cousins. On the way back, we drove through OH to say 'hi' to our friends, Chris and Lisa.

The girls watching a movie in the car & I am playing with my new camera

The Happy Couple, Barb and Bill Niezgodski -- Ruth, who is expecting baby #7 and Bill Niezgodski

Sam Niezgosdki and Claire -- Mia Niezgosdki and Emilie

The Niezgodski clan : 6 kids and 16 grandkids!!! -- The Callender clan (Claire did not want to pose)

We then spent the end of July unpacking a little more, going swimming and having swimming lessons at the base pool, fishing at the pier behind our house and playing in the neighborhood.

Fishing at the pier behind our house

At the base pool

At the base pool

Mike had his first TDY (business trip) to Omaha, Nebraska beginning of August. He brought back some really good steaks and burgers :-) We also had our first dinner at the house. We had some of Mike's staff and their families over for a BBQ.

The girls are all set for school. They start on Aug 17 and are excited. They both are in a class with our next door neighbors. Claire is in Emily's class and Emilie is in Griffith's so they won't be completely lost in a new school.

Happy Father's Day

Today was Father's Day and Papa was not quite awake when he got his gifts but he loved them...

I had bought him a fishing pole with 'matching' fishing poles for the girls. Fishing is big in Mississippi and I thought it would be the perfect gift for Mike and the girls. Mike had mentioned it a few months ago. He was really happy. I think I did good :-)

Last weekend, after taking the girls to the beach we stopped at Michaels and they were having a crafts table for the kids. The girls LOVE any crafts! So they each made a t-shirt for their dad.

After the gifts, Mike watched the news and then we headed for the O'Club on base for a nice brunch.

Mike's Change of Command

A few pictures from the week of the Change of Command and the ceremony and reception.

With Nana, Uncle John and Tita Marife, Joanna Orphanos and Chris & Lisa Morgan.

Latest news of the Callender Household

Well, as most of you know, 't is the time again for us. Yes, we are moving again. That will be the 4th move and 5th base in 6 years...

Let's back up a little first. Emilie finished Kindergarten on June 4th with a sprinkler and ice cream Sundae party as well as an amazing report card. We are very proud of her and her accomplishments this year!

Sprinkler Party --------Emilie and some of her friends

Our very good friends and neighbors, the Cantilinas threw us a pool going away party at their house. The kids loved swimming and the food was fabulous. We will really miss our friends :-(

Mike and Carl --------Lilly and Claire enjoying some delicious food

THe kids hanging out in the hot tub because they thought the water was too cold...

Mike got selected to take command of a squadron at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. The Change of Command happened last week and we were blessed to be surrounded by family - Nana, John and Marife flew over - and really good close friends, Chris and Lisa Morgan from OH and Joanna Orphanos from MA. We were very happy to see them all again and share this big event with them!

The lighting in the auditorium was really bad so the pictures of the CoC are not the best...

Mike taking over the squadron flag and therefore the squadron itself

The girls were acting a little crazy so I ended up carrying Emilie (more pics soon)

Our movers will be coming next week, 2 days for packers then they will load everything on the 3rd day and hopefully will deliver it the following day. We will be living on base in a 2 stories house with all the base commanders. The house is pretty new since it was finished in Nov 08.

In July, we will try to make Mike's uncle and aunt 50th wedding anniversary in IN and then the girls will start school mid-Aug. We got them enrolled in a Catholic school very close to the base. THey will both be going full time and be wearing uniforms.

My camera has been acting up so I wasn't able to take too many pictures lately and I also forgot the cord to download pictures in MS so please come back next week to see more pictures :-)