Trip to California

We made it to Utah on Oct 31 and since then been figuring things out and getting everything together to settle in.

We, of course, needed to go to Los Angeles to pick up our car. Here are some pics from our trip to California.

We were able to pick up our car on Friday morning of Nov 6 and spent that day and the next with the family.

Friday before dinner, Keith and I went for a hike - went to Sturtevant Falls, Chantry Flat Recreation Area, Angeles National Forest. It is beautiful there. It was shocking to me to see something so beautiful that close to LA. Thought it wasn't possible.
Here is the waterfall. The water is cold and clear in the pool.

Here we are, finally figured out how to get the camera positioned at the right angle on a rock.

Our car has finally crossed the ocean and it is going to on a road trip from LA to Hill AFB.

Saturday morning = breakfast with family.

Keith playing with Max.

It was a nice but long drive. I was tired just sitting there watching the road go by. But, glad to have our car with us.

I am ALIVE!!!

Everyone, I am still alive - actually I am doing great! It has been a long time since I posted anything here. Thanks to my husband there were some pics and stories posted to keep everyone somewhat up to date.

I got too many pics here but believe me it is not nearly enough from how many has been taken.

I have skipped my sisters' visit to Hawaii altogether, evidently. But, they enjoyed beautiful Hawaii for a week before coming to Alabama to attend my graduation.

At the dining out with Christopher Cahill and his fiance (well, by now they are married :=)

My husband commissioning me.

My three sisters got to pin my gold bars!

"Uncle" Eddie got to salute me.

Here is the family: my sisters, hubby, uncle Eddie and Aunt Coleen, Sister Bernie and brother-n-law Ronnie.

I like the blues, I have to say. :-) No offense to my army husband.

Thankful that my sisters made it from Mongolia.

Flight 1-13 - newly commissioned officers in the US Air Force.

After the commissioning we went to Columbus to stay with family for a day - went to Japanese restaurant for celebration.

Then, for more travel: first to Savannah and then to Atlanta.

I guess I am getting packed!

Fort Pilaski in Savannah.

Getting to Atlantic Ocean via Tybee Island.

Water isn't as beautfil as it is in Hawaii and of course, not as warm. But, Oyuna and Nomin got to see both oceans.

We are goofing around and Nomin is not to be found closeby.

Oh, here she is - I guess, she is keeping her toes warm.

My loving hubby - keeping me warm as always.

Nice dinner after long drive and a walking tours are always welcome!

We are still having fun! After this hug, I couldn't feel my face for a while.

Sweet!

Outside the Savannah City Hall.

There is the top of the City Hall.

We love playgrounds.

and fountains...

and monuments...

On the bridge heading to South Carolina.

Dinner at Cheesecake Factory in Atlanta.

Then to Centennial Olympic Park to work off our dinner.

Nomin and I got wet playing in the water but somehow Keith and Oyuna stayed dry... hmm.

We jumped to get on the rocks - yep!

Another day another adventure - at the World of Coca Cola.

Then to the Mall of Georgia!

We had worked up quite an appetite for some seafood.

Oyuna and Nomin enjoyed there first experience with tasting lobster and had some crab, tilapia, shrimp and much more.

It has been wonderful to have them visit - but the play is over and now time to work - we are in Utah and I am back to work - at my newly assigned base of Hill AFB.

The OTS Journey Continues

Chimge and two of her class mates waiting to do something. Not sure what is up with the hats, must be an Air Force thing.
Chimge being fitted so she can do battle with a classmate. Not sure if they realized she is Mongolian. Would not want to fight her.

Chimge is about 4 and 1/2 weeks from being the second commissioned officer in the family. She is doing very good and her spirits are very high. As I have stated previously, I am very proud of her. The Air Force just does not know how lucky there are.....

Sorry for the lack of pictures. What can I do, I can only post those that she sends. So keep her in your prayers and maybe add an extra one for pictures.

411th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy)

On 13 September 2009, the 411th Engineer Battalion, formerly the 411th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) recieved the Meritorious Unit Commedation (MUC) for service from March 27, 2004 to March 27, 2005 during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The streamer stated, Iraq 2004-2005. I served with Bravo Company 411th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) as the Horizontal Contruction Platoon Leader. My time with the Battalion will always be remembered and held close as a great opportunity to make a difference and serve others.
I was also very lucky to see several of the Officer, Non-Commissioned Officer and Soldiers that I served with, many of who I have not seen since we returned home. It was forsure a family reunion.
I also had the honor of inviting two Iraqi Army Officer who are in Hawaii attending courses. For me, having them there made the ceremony that much nicer, because much of the work we preformed had a direct benefit to the Iraqi Government, Iraqi Army and the Iraqi People. My two friends were treated as honored guest and they were honored guest!

Col Amer (Left) and MG Luay (Right) outside the Battalion HQ.

Standing and talking with a fellow Muslem about friday prayer.

The old Battalion Colors, waiting on the ceremony, like with all Armies, hurry up and wait.

Front row seating, still waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Major Rhodes, then 1Lt Rhodes HSC XO and Cpt Kelly, then 1st Lt Kelly A. Co 1st Vertical. Meeting up for the first time in 4 years.

Major Young, then Cpt Young, the Former B Co 411th ECB(H) commander. My old Company Commander. Standing with the National Colors, the Army Colors and the Battalion Colors.

Myself and Major Young

MG Lauy, Major Rhodes wife and Col Amer.

A great group photo. Major Young, Col Wung, MG Lauy, Myself, Col Amer, Cpt Kelly and LTC Stibbard (The former Battalion XO).

It really was an honor being there seeing the streamer placed on the Battalion Colors, that streamer will be on the colors forever. That was our part of the 411th Engineer Battalion's history. We joined with the history made during World War II. Not bad being a good part of history.