Rusty's Day at the Pool

Before they close the base pool for the winter, they open it up for dogs! So, I took Rusty for a pool party today with his best friend, Koda. Check out the video of them loving the water!! If you can't tell, Rusty's specialty is the long jump. Tom, Koda's dad, was there to help them out of the pool! This is by far his favorite day of the year!!

Taylor Girl Outing

This weekend we had the annual Fall outing with the Taylor girls. Poor Margaret was sick, so she couldn't join us :( We started out the day at Sophie's soccer game... as you can see, she had quite the cheering section. Then, we headed to the Apple Orchard / Pumpkin patch. Henry also enjoyed his first trip and picked out a great pumpkin! As always, it was a great day. Happy Halloween!

Good practice Mike!

You picked a winner Henry!

Playing Catch with Daddy

Henry's first game of catch...

Mike's Farewell

Mike deployed last week. Thought I'd share a few pictures from the days and hours before he left.

The weekend before Mike left, they had a squadron party. It was really good to see all the guys one more time and say goodbye to those who will PCS during the next 6 months. It was, however, a bit shocking because it was the first time I actually said, "Goodbye" to any of the guys. The whole situation was getting very real!

(left to right)

Kristyn and Wizz Szala, Emily and Bluto McSwain, Andrea and Roman Slattery, Brittany and Spear Mintz, and Lynn and Shot Glass

I am so very lucky to have friends like these!! These girls will be my saving grace during the next 6 months!

The night before he left, he was walking around the house packing last minute items. Rusty was at his heels the entire time. I even videoed his shadow act! It was sad though to see how much Rusty picked up on the upcoming departure. He has been pouting all week without Mike around.

Finally, on the morning that Mike left, I dropping him off with all his gear at the hangar at 4 am. I was told to come back between 6:30 and 8:30 to say my final goodbyes. But, I got a phone call at 6:15 saying that I had better get over to the terminal quick because they were putting them through security early. So, our final goodbyes were much more brief than originally anticipated. It was good in a way, to just rip that Bandaid off and be done with it. I didn't have time to get worked up about it. We did have a few minutes to take this final picture.

I miss him so much and am sad that he's not here, but I've been doing pretty well this week. I am keeping busy with work and trying to workout every day. Rusty keeps me company when I'm home alone and is a great snuggler! Mike is able to Skype so that certainly helps! I've been able to talk to him a few times now! It won't be an easy 6 months, but we'll make it work!

Crazy Man

Here's a video of Henry playing tonight... he's a crazy man! He can't wait to see his Uncle Shot and Aunt Lynn in one month!!

Here We Go Again

We have another typhoon on the way. This time it's predicted to be a Category 3 when it hits us with winds of 111-130 MPH! We've pulled our stuff in the house, sandbagged all the could take flight, and are ready for the storm to begin. It should hit some time late Thursday night or early Friday morning. We'll be in touch and let you know how we are doing. This should be a big one!!!

Alaskan Sneak Peak

Hey guys -

Mike and I spent a week in Alaska in June. I am working on getting a better post together for our blog but here is a little sneak peak at our adventures. This picture is of us in front of Prince William Sound. We found this awesome view at the end of a hike! There are more breathtaking pictures where this came from! Check out the Glass Blog soon!!

First Time in the Grass

We played in the front yard one night this week and thought we'd see what Henry thought of the grass... He seemed to be a bit confused by this new texture. Hope you enjoy the video!

We miss you Lynn & Mike!!

My Sisters

Today I went to my first funeral for a patient. She was an amazing, spirted, full of life 17 year old who taught me so much in the time I knew her. The most important was to not take life for granted. She never asked "why me" during her entire two and a half year fight against cancer. While I was praying during her funeral and listening to her sister give her eulogy, I couldn't help but think of you girls. How hard it would be if I didn't get to tell you how important you all are to me. So, in her honor...

My sisters have truly helped shaped me into the person I am today. They have been there for me, literally since day one! They truly are on of the best things that has every happened to me... I am TRULY blessed!

My sisters were there for me when I was learning how to walk and run (however awkward that may have been!) When I learned how to tie my shoes, when I went to my first dance (which was on crutches!) when I fell in love, got my heart broken, more importantly... when I married the man of my dreams. My list could go on!

My point is, you girls have been there for me for every big and small occassion in my life, and I couldn't feel more proud and happy to have you in my life.

I know that no matter how far we are from each other we will be the first people we call with big news, major changes, or just that we need to talk.

Thank you for being my best friends, my sisters. Thank you for making me a better person. I love you so much and am so glad to have you in my life.

Look What I Can Do

Are you hearing the voice of Stewart?? Because that's how I hear the title of this post in my head... ha!

Henry just wanted to show off how close he is at rolling from his back to his tummy... aparently he's already done it for daycare and for Grandma, but until he does it for his Mom it doesn't count... ha!!

To see how good he is at rolling over during tummy time... go here.

He misses you, Lynn & Mike... wish you could be here to see him grow!!

Woof!!

Hey guys!! How's it going? I'm hanging out in Okinawa and keeping busy. I chewed up a few new toys, ate a quart of hummus that Mom left on the counter, and sleep the day away on the couch. It's ruff life but someone has to do it!!

Dad left several weeks ago to go to a place called Alaska. I don't know much about Alaska, but I hear the sun stays out really late!! Dad just left Alaska and arrived in Florida this morning! He's going back to Tyndall where I was born!! He said he's already been by the Pet Smart where I went to puppy school and saw our old house. Maybe he'll go to beach where I learned to swim too! I sure miss him when he's gone, but I get to sleep in the bed with Mom. That's a pretty good trade off. I sure do love to snuggle.

It's been raining for days now so we haven't been back to the beach in years... do you know how long that is in dog years?! I can't wait to go back to the beach. I love the beach!! We haven't been able to go for walks either. I love walks!

I hope you are all doing well. Please send me treats! I love treats!! Skype with you soon.

Love -

Mr. Rusty F. Bones

This Post is for Shot

Henry's Baptism

I just wanted to share a clip from today's events... Henry did great! He is such a special little person that has brought so much joy and fun to our family!

Lynn and Mike, we know you were there in spirit and prayers! We miss you both and love you very much!!

Smiles for Aunt Lynn & Uncle Shot

Henry misses you guys... here's a peek at what he's been up to lately.

Love you!!

Julie, Paul & Henry

Goodness, Gracious.... New Eye Balls!

I did it! I had lasik surgery on Friday to correct my vision. I showed up to the doctor at 8:15 AM with bad vision and left at 9:15AM with 20/20! Pretty crazy. I went home at took a long nap, and woke up feeling great! The entire procedure took about 10 minutes - aside from a little soreness and dry eyes, my eyes feel fine! PLUS I get to wear these super cool goggles when I sleep, lucky Mike! But, the best part is that they will make a "music video" of the surgery, so I will be able to send that out soon.... stay tuned :) I know you can't wait to see it.

So this is my final farewell to contacts and glasses!! "See" ya! :)

Henry is 6 weeks old!

I can't believe Henry is already 6 weeks old!! He is growing like a weed now, which makes me feel great. He is already 10 pounds and has grown out of his newborn clothes... he's even getting some rolly polly legs. Don't you just love baby fat?! :-)

This picture is from today - Henry and I are hanging around the house, and he wanted to let the world know that there are some very special people in Japan who love him!! Lynn & Mike - we miss you!!!

Cherry Blossom Time!!

It's that time of year again. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom a few weeks ago. Mike, Rusty, and I took a day trip up north to Nago to see them. It was a beautiful day and a perfect time to stop and smell the... trees? Anyway, we had a great time. Wish you all could be here to see it!!

Henry Misses AL & US

Aunt Lynn & Uncle Shot,

I miss you, so I put together a video to show you how big I'm getting! Can we skype soon?

Love,

Henry

Henry's First Blog Post!

Dear Henry,

It was so fun to meet you last night. We are so excited to get to know you and watch you grow! You have amazing parents and a pretty great family. Let's hang out soon.

Love,

Aunt Katie

Family

I wrote this yesterday around 2pm not knowing anything of what the days events would have in store for our family. Now more than ever, I love you all...

January 2, 2011 2:00 pm

As we begin another year I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our family. First I want to say how without a doubt in my mind each one of you have helped shape me into who I am, and I am truly glad I have the family that I do.

As we close 2010 I have been thinking about all that has happened this year...We have added a new sister to our family and with that completed all of the sig others! I have been thinking about how much I still miss Gramps. How we do lose people we love, and how important it is to tell our family how much we love each other. I am excited that we will be adding a new little member to our family soon! I can't wait to meet Tiney and love that he marks a new chapter in our family... GRANDKIDS!

Most of all, all of this reflection reminds me how important you all are to me. I know that no matter what happens or how far I live from you, we will be there for each other. Thank you for being my support, my best friends, and my FAMILY. I love you.

Sunday January 2, 2011 around 11 pm:

We lost a huge part of our family, our Friend, Uncle, Dad, Brother, Husband... our Jim. We will miss him dearly and try to make sense God's plan...

Farewell Grandma Marion

A week or so before Christmas the whole Taylor/Flanagan crew got together to send Grandma Marion off with a bang as she is starting a new journey living in Philadelphia near her son, Andy. As always, there were lots of stories told, lots of laughs and even a few tears. We will miss having Grandma Marion around on a regular basis, but know she is just a phone call and a trip away. We love you, Grandma Marion!!!!

Merry Christmas From Japan!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's!

We hope that you all have a great holiday.

We missed you and wish we could have been there to celebrate with you,

but know that we were thinking of you.

Thanks for skyping with us and continuing to include us in The Taylor Sib/Sig Exchange!!

It was great to "see" you all.

We love you!

Shot, Lynn and Rusty