October 29, 2008

Oklahoma Adventure!

Our Oklahoma trip came and went without a hitch, except for Nikki and Lee's! Of course that doesn't mean I don't have an interesting story to tell. Let's begin...

SPACE A Travel
S show up early
P pray for a seat (or 3)
A alter your travel plans
C control your emotions
E everything is free

A Adventure!

So we planned on taking a commercial military plane, but instead we got a tanker! Tankers are great flights when you plan for them, like bringing blankets and lots of snacks because they are so cold to fly on. The kids were able to run around and scam free trips to the cockpit from the crew. The seats are comfortable and you can lay on the floor to stretch out if you want. Unfortunately, the tanker flight was too long to allow for our connection in Baltimore. A minor mommy meltdown ensued and thus we were rerouted to OKC that same evening. Whew! Phase 1 of our trip, getting there, complete.

She Always Looks So Happy

We were blessed to meet many new and wonderful people as well as run into some old friends at the wedding. I think there were people from at least 15 states there. Brad was quick to make friends with Lee's sister Kellie. He loved her! And Brad don't like nobody but Mommy. They even shared the same hairstyle. Lee's mom and step dad also had many great things to say about Germany and I hope they get to come visit us someday. I have special thanks for Peg and Kellie for accompanying us to the ER. I'll get to that later. Lee's dad flew in from Panama City and he happened to sit next to our friend Melissa (going on vacation) who is also coming to Germany in the winter. What a small world!

Brad and Kellie

Oklahoma City is not at all what I expected. It is very flat but incredibly built up and spread out. Nikki and Lee have a beautiful house and yard. I know now we will be ok to live there someday because all roads lead to Tinker. Anyway, we managed to squeeze in a little shopping and a visit to old friends from Delaware and on rehearsal day my son decided to steal the thunder. He tripped and banged his head on the coffee table splitting his ear open. We were in and out of the ER with hours to spare (unheard of) and a wound that was nothing a little glue couldn't fix. He made me nervous from then on...

Rhiannon, Cameron, Brad and Maggie
Old Buddies from Delaware

The rehearsal dinner was at a restaurant in Bricktown OKC. It's a great part of the downtown area with shops and restaurants and bars. Rhiannon got a special surprise for her birthday during the dinner; cupcakes with princess rings, some new jewelry and a purse. Brad needed to take a load off from his busy day.

Darcy, Evangeline, Brandon (Nikki's Brother and Family)

John and Geri (Bride's Parents)

Happy Birthday Rhi

Long Day for Brad

The day of the wedding was perfect in every way. It went so fast and of course I want to post a million photos but I chose just a few of the best.

Getting Ready

Lee's Mom and Step Dad

Lee's Dad

We had such a great time on our trip and got to see Jim for 2 days but now we are glad to be home. It is a little colder here than when we left but so many things need to be done (like burn the cell phone bill) before Jim gets home. Unfortunately we are still so tired and a little under the weather ourselves but are hoping to pull through for the Halloween events this weekend and the arrival of our friends the Horrocks' on Monday. One other important note. Brad started saying Good Morning this week and has been imitating much of what we are saying to him. Yay for Brad finally going vocal!

Anyway, we love you Nikki and Lee. Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day. We had a blast and we wish you the happiest life together. Please get stationed with us again soon because we miss you!!