Home is where the Air Force sends us....

He's Home!

I guess life just was too good and we were too busy to post all of the wonderful things we have been doing since Darren returned from Guam. He made it back safely February12, 2017. Our hearts are full again.

Months 4 and 5

Thanksgiving and Christmas 2016

Thanksgiving with Mom, Dad, Grandpa and JB

My mom clearly has all the pictures if this is the best one I got! We toured Mt. Rushmore-Keystone, Rapid City and Sturgis. We shopped and of course made the best Thanksgiving meal ever! When Rachel is around, we don't do meals half way. She did, however, have someone else make the sugar cookies.

When Christmas break arrived, mom and dad paid for us to fly home. These are a few pics from our house I took before the flight. It was a brutal winter in SoDak! There was definitely not this much snow last year. I had a hard time getting my car up the lane, but luckily Kenny was around while we were away to clear the drive and many days after. Darren's truck was not operating very well at the time.

Christmas with the Main Family-minus Addy

B, Keera and Bella Boo

Helping Grandma put ornaments away.

Maxton William and the Mesners----Rhey and I are the Godparents.


Visiting Great Grampa-B loves his automatic chair!

Christmas at Mom and Dad's-my favorite picture

Oudekerk Family Christmas

Our Family Tradition-Tying knots on quilts for Ronald McDonald House Kids


Playing cards with Meier cousins

We celebrated Bradyn's fifth birthday party at the bowling alley with just a few friends. Owen, Landon, Karsten, Kinsley and baby Riley (not pictured). At the time, Bradyn was really into Skylanders and we found a cool cake for him.


Bradyn turned 5!

3 Months Down

2 Months Down

October 9, 2016

We have been keeping busy and time seems to be going by very fast. Our new friends, Lauren and Landon are a blast to hang out with. Landon's stepdad, Justin is in Guam with Darren. We are so fortunate to have positive and supportive friends here! This was our day out at Old MacDonald's Farm.

1 Month Down

September 10, 2016

Darren deployed to Guam about a month ago. The seasons are changing and Fall is upon us. We like the changes because that means we are closer to having Darren home again. Lately, we have been busy outdoors when we aren't at school. Work hard, play harder is our motto. Had a wonderful hike in Rapid City today and found a new trail to take D when he returns!