christmas in june

Yesterday we got 2 packages. One was from Ben full of clothes for Rhone and me and the other was our new backpack carrier. (We already have one thanks to Ben's mom, but as previoiusly noted, it is in Mississippi). Yesterday we went up a nearby canyon and took a little hike to test it out. Afterwards we had marshmellows around the campfire with my parents, brother and some friends. Today Rhone and I are both sporting our newly delivered clothes. Isn't getting packages great!

one of those days

You know when people say, "it's been one of those days" everybody in some vague way knows what that means. Well we've had one of those weeks, because all of our careful summer plans have been changed. Ben was 2 weeks late finishing up training in Texas. Because he was so late getting done there wasn't enough time for him to check back in at Columbus, before leaving for Spokane, WA. So he was planning on leaving straight from Texas, but Columbus was too lazy to change his orders, so he had to drive back to Columbus, MS and fly straight to Spokane.
This means:
*It will be over 6 weeks before Rhone and I see Ben again (which isn't terribly long, but it's worse when you aren't expecting it)
*Ben didn't get to be with Rhone on his first Father's day
*We won't be able to drive back to Mississippi and visit family along the way
*Ace is going to have to stay at my parents until we can fly him to be with us
*Rhone and I only have a suitcase worth of gear to last us the summer (Good thing my mom got hand-me-downs and gear for Rhone)
*Father's day presents and other gifts didn't get delivered
*Rhone and I have to fly across the country by ourselves
*Ben won't be getting to see (or use) his birthday/graduation gun until months from now
Thank you Columbus for being so willing to do your job! (I hope you can sense the sarcasm)

I tried for a week to figure out a reasonable way for Rhone and I to visit Ben on his 1 weekend off in Spokane, but after hours of researching flights, driving routes, rentals, and sleeping points, the plans fell through. Pretty disappointing, but on the positive side, Rhone and I are having fun hanging out, while Ben is gearing up for 3 weeks of survival school "fun". Here is some of what we've been up to.

Rooting for Ben to have a plane in working condition so he could have his check ride and leave Texas. Rhone wore a plane shirt everyday Ben's check ride was scheduled for good luck. (Good thing Rhone has a few plane shirts)


Rhone proofing the front room. Rhone felt extra special with all that room to roll around in. (Actually we moved everything out to clean the carpets)


Visiting. Everyone has been so nice to come and see us or meet up with us. We have seen family and I was even able to meet up with one of my college roommates, Katie, and her kids for a trip to the zoo (funny how things change huh). If you remember that before Rhone was born we called him Seven, you'll find it interesting to know that he was the 7th great-grandchild on my dad's side. Brock and Morgan's baby will be the eleventh- so my mom has started calling their baby Eleven. Here is Rhone with some the Rose great-grandkids.


Farming. It finally stopped raining so everyone is cutting hay. Rhone has become quite the little assistant farmer, he's been in the swather and helped Brock disc the summer fallow field.


Eating out. We had a little cookout in my parents' backyard. I was excited because Rhone got to use his new childsize sleeping bag. We can't wait to go camping with my brother one night.

Celebrating. I helped host a bridal shower for my friend Melissa. It was so fun getting together with friends from high school and I think that my decorations and food turned out cute too.

Melissa, Me and Lindsey

Celebrating again. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY. Ben is a great dad and we miss and love him lots. Luckily for Rhone he was able to see 3 outta 4 grandpa's on Father's Day and we sent a picture to Grandad, since we didn't get to see him.

Rhone just a few hours old

Rhone and Grandad

Rhone and Grandpa Rose

Rhone and Gramps (Rhone looks extra chubby in this picture)

Me and my dad camping when I was about Rhone's age (does Rhone look like me?)

it sure feels good to be home

the view from my parents' front porch

he's gone country

Our little Rhone is 5 months old. I can't believe how fast it has gone. He is giggling, squealing, and blowing raspberries. He is rolling and scooting to get to toys, sitting all by himself, and drinking out of a cup (with assistance). He loves vanilla yogurt and attention. Now that he's in Idaho he's wearing his Carhartts (size 12 months), riding the 4 wheeler, checking on the pheasant chicks, and doing the dog chores. We couldn't ask for anything more... well actually it would be great if Ben were here too.

(he really is a smiley guy, just not so much for the camera)

some days...

it's amazing I get any work done.

adios san antonio

The time has come to say good bye to San Anton' well at least for some of us. Rhone and I are flying to Idaho on Sunday. Ben was supposed to be finished here on Monday, but he is behind schedule, so who knows when he'll be done. We have been hitting up some of our favortie spots here and still discovering new ones. Here are some of our latest outings.

A trip down the lazy river: We went back to the sea world water park and spent an hour or so cruising the river. We had a little floaty for Rhone, but he wasn't allowed to have it in the river (we found that out after 1 trip around) so we put this over sized life jacket on him and he took turn riding with Ben or me. He was definitely one of the youngest floaters, but also one of the few younger kids that wasn't crying. There are a few spots where you get sprayed, so we just covered him up and he kept smiling so we kept floating around. Ben and I had a great time too.

I love that you can see the water droplets splashing up in this picture

These pictures were taken on our way out of the park, notice "shamu" in the background

A little hike: There is a huge natural water drainage behind our house that cannot be developed and there are trails that weave in and out of it. He we are hiking one morning (you have to go before it hits the 90s)

Meeting up with friends: Our friends the Gadd's from Mississippi are here too, so we had them over for a BBQ. Cooper is just a week or so older than Rhone. We also had some yummy deserts with our new friends here. She is the one who took that adorable picture of Rhone on the side bar.

Yep, Rhone is rolling on top of Cooper, but Cooper is eating Rhone's hand, so it's hard to say whose winning ;)

The Japanese Tea Gardens: We visited these last night and they were beautiful and free. I am so glad that we didn't miss out on them.

Doesn't Ben look great with a baby and a diaper bag!

We finally found the local farmers market too, I can't believe it took me 3 months, I guess I've been away from Moscow for too long. It's along the San Antonio Riverwalk and there is live music there. Hopefully we'll be back this Saturday.

A few other goodbyes too: We are selling the Buick. My parents gave her to me when I left for college in the fall of 2003 (although it is a 1992). We always kept saying we just hope she gets us through college. She did a lot more than that. She now has over 200,000 miles on her. She's been from Canada to Florida, and even on a fairy. She has been a great car and I really will miss her.

The wind was even blowing for this picture, too funny.

Rhone has out grown a LOT of things in his few months of life. Now it's time to say goodbye to the car seat. He spent lots of time in there, so it just seems like the item that makes me realize he's not a little baby any more.

Ben is saying good by to 2nd Lieutenant. That's right he's made his first promotion to 1st Lieutenant. Goodbye gold bars, hello silver bars!

Well this is one gigantic post. Congrats if you made it to the end, you're a real trooper!