Our Daughter Abi Takes the Oath to Serve Our Country

(to hear the video better, scroll down to the bottom of our blog and 'pause' the music)

We are proud of Abi's decision to serve our country in the US NAVY. Following in Grandpa Frank's footsteps, a Naval veteran.

This is the video of her swearing in this morning, June 28. This happens to be Grandma-ma Dixie's birthday. Coincidentally, Abi got on a commercial jet to Chicago--where Grandma-ma Dixie was born. Her basic training will be held in Great Lakes, IL. Following basic training, she will go to A school in Pensacola, FL to be a Navy Air Traffic controller.

As you watch the video, know that her momma didn't dress her, as she is 18. And, yes, she is thin..about 100 lbs. Rest assured the Navy will put some weight on her bones. As proud parents, we look forward to seeing her graduate from basic training :)

Springtime in Kodiak (June 2010)

Abi's Graduation from High School

Visiting Family

While Lori was in Oregon for the first week of June, she was able to visit with her parents and grandmothers. We also had many family and friends Abi's high school graduation party that week. Matt's mom, Cathy, Nicole, Abi and Lori had noon tea at Sleighbells in Sherwood, the day of Abi's graduation.
Nicole and Grandma Cathy

Lori and her Grandmother, Eve (she lived through the Great Depression while living in Chicago)

Lori and her sister Kellie (3 years younger)

Grandma Eve, chatting away about politics and the economy

Miss Abigail

Lori and her Daddy, Frank

Frank, Lori and Grandma Betty (Elizabeth)

Graduation night for Abi

Matt and Nicole to pick Lori up at Portland Airport

Lori and her Mom, Dixie

Matt and Grandma Eve

Mr. Man--don't mess with him!

Out for a ride...

North Falls at Silver Creek Falls, Silverton, Oregon

Bleeding Heart

Baby Mushrooms

Lupine

Kodiak Crab Festival & Parade

Kodiak Crab Festival is held annually Rain or Shine, this year, rain.

I don't think I've ever been to a parade in which the majority of the spectators viewed the parade from their car with the windshield wipers going. Still, many braved the parade route standing on the side of the road with rain coats and umbrellas.

Kathrynn and Lori joined in the parade representing the Kodiak Animal Shelter. It was a fun, rainy time!

Kevin, from OR with his kids, advertising the bed races on Sunday

Kahryn on the right, playing with her drum group under the tarps

Classic

Polynesian community had an entry in the parade Neighbor Shannon and Murphy, walking with us in the parade

Mr. Murphy

POW

Alaska Governor

Cheese head dude

Part of the Rotary syncronized lawnmower squad

Lori and Alaskan Governor, Parnell

Kodiak Teachers entry

POW riders

Middle school band

Kathrynn (needs coffee???)

Parade Route, down Mill Bay Road

Survival Suits for the Survival Suit Race

Survival Suit Race

Bear Paw Waffle, with cocoa sprinkled on top

This island drum group played for about 2 hours, lots of energy!