Up Next

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We have known for awhile that we would be heading to Pensacola, FL after our time here in the Quantico/Stafford area, but we have a timeline now! We recently received news that Keagan is to report to Pensacola at the very end of November- only 3 days after his graduation from TBS. He will go through several phases of flight training at Naval bases in the area.

1. IFS (Naval Air Station- Pensacola)- This is a about a month long and we think he will be starting as soon as we move.

2. API (Naval Air Station- Pensacola)- After completing IFS, we're looking at a 4-6 week wait until Keagan can start the next phase of training. During the break, we hope to take leave and head home to the Midwest for awhile. API is approximately 6 weeks long.

3. Primary (most likely Whiting Field, Milton)- After an unknown wait period, Keagan will head over to Whiting Field for Primary. Whiting Field is close to an hour away from NASP, so as of now we are looking at temporary housing options near NASP, with a move to the Whiting Field area when the time comes. It is possible (but unlikely) that he may be sent to Corpus Christi for Primary. Primary is approximately 6 months long.

4. After Primary, Keagan will know what aircraft he is assigned and will complete flight training.

We're going to try our best to stay flexible, as we never know what could change and when. Tis the nature of the military. :)

In the Midst of Fall

I feel like we're finally in the midst of fall. The temperatures have settled into the 'just right for jeans and a thin long-sleeve layer' range. It's my favorite- perfect for extra walks, open windows, crisp mornings, dawdling, and taking deeper breaths any time I set foot outside. We're hitting this stage later than we did back home. I am definitely okay with it, although I have begun to accept the fact that my internal calendar will never be un-confused again. Fall in Virginia really is lovely, but I miss the Midwest harvest- complete with endless fields changing colors and the sound of farm equipment drifting late into the night, leaving emptiness in their path.

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The last two weeks were calm, yet hectic all at the same time. Keagan had two four-day weeks in a row, which was beyond wonderful. Our friend, Jared, trekked down from Pennsylvania to spend the long weekend with us, and Kiley came to enjoy a few days as well. The boys enjoyed re-living their college days, by playing Halo for hours. I spent my alone-time baking cookies, making the guys food, and catching up on homework. When Kiley came, we carved pumpkins, watched some "scary movies," and headed up to D.C.

While in D.C., we got to witness (and walk in the middle of) the 1 Million Vets Protest. It was interesting and inspiring to see so many people defend their right to protest and enjoy the monuments that were put up in honor of them.



After the long weekend, Keagan went back to work, and it was business as usual for me. We're turning on lamps a little sooner every night, enjoying a little more time together and with friends, and doing our best to prepare for our next move.

Drizzly October

It's cold and dreary out. I just put slippers on- and a second long-sleeve layer. The heat's not on, the a/c is off. It's only 60 degrees outside! I opened my windows this morning, but shouldn't have, because the chill is still hanging around. My toes are cold. It must be October.

Zulu is sitting on my lap-trying to help cure me of my writer's block, which seems to be around more often than not lately. We've got a cozy apple cider candle burning to warm us up- if that's possible, which I believe it is.

I got up early to finish my library book today- I had already renewed it twice and really just needed to finish it and turn it in on it's due date. It's a checklist-lover thing. I sat on my couch, with a mug of chai, and Zulu curled up next to me. It was a good way to spend a drizzly fall morning. But now, I'm still stuck in the rut of not accomplishing much. We made it to the library, got some crockpot chicken ready to go for supper, and got the kitchen cleaned. I tidied up a bit, but that's as far as I've gotten so far. How is it that I am so efficient some days and struggle so much the next? Oh well...I'll catch up on my homework tonight.

As for it being October, I still can't really believe it. Slowly, I'm easing into the chill. I've been using my cast iron skillet more, throwing meals in the crockpot more, smelling vanilla and cinnamon more, and confusing myself by alternating tea or ice-cream for an after supper treat.

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Last week was the week of organization. Other than reading and studying for my classes, I really had no other responsibilities. Keagan was gone all week, Zulu was spayed and had to take it easy all week, and I didn't babysit. So, out came the nerd in me. First, I started by pulling out a little fall decoration. Nothing big; I just switched out the brighter colors with lighter colors, for more mellow-fall-feel. I swapped out a couple lamps for additional coziness, and bought a new candle- because that's what I do. Then, I tackled every little cupboard, box, and drawer that needed a little organizing TLC and went to work. And finally, I took care of some long-lost to-do-list items. You guys, that's my favorite thing to do. Zulu just jumped off my lap- she knows how lame I am.

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Getting a dog spayed is a very interesting experience for someone who's never had a real pet before. I was nearly in tears when I left her at the vet- in a cold building with a slippery floor that she really didn't like. The vet tech was not personable. Without saying a word, or looking me in the eyes, she took Zulu out of my arms, slipped a leash around her, and whisked her away. I finished filling out paperwork, hearing Zulu cry the whole time, and then had to leave her there for four whole hours. It was miserable. After picking her up, she whined non-stop for a couple hours, before finally allowing herself to fall asleep- her head balancing awkwardly on the cone she had to wear. She was pitiful the first day, but was ready to get back to real-life the second day. Sorry, Zulu. We still have a few days before you can run, jump, climb stairs, and play. We're almost there!!

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As for having fun...don't worry...I didn't just organize. I went for a walk with a friend, had supper with a bunch of military wives, and spent Sunday in Richmond with Kiley and Keagan. We went to a very Southern Baptist-y church, enjoyed some food (of course), and swam in the James River. It was almost 90 degrees, believe it or not! I guess the Midwest isn't the only place with bi-polar weather.

So far, the current week has been lovely. Keagan has been getting off at a decent supper-time, and we're looking forward to enjoying a long Columbus Day Weekend.

And the best news? It's 3:24 and I just got a text saying Keagan is on his way home!! What a treat. TBS you're being nice this week.