Over the past 6 years together, Brian and Mel have been on the go, traveling and maximizing family time, while enduring deployments and continual moves. 2010 was unquestionably highlighted by the blessing of our youngest daughter, Zailyn. Despite the lapse of time in communication, we hope each of you understands that our relationships with all of you are alive as ever in spirit- slowly but surely, our paths continue to cross.
Picking up from our last update in December 2009, Mel was pregnant during Brian’s eleven month tour in Iraq. Humorously, the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland erupted in April 2010, delaying Brian’s R&R flight home for the birth. Another amusing piece was that John (Mel’s dad) was also delayed en route to Kansas, due to the flooding in Nashville, Tennessee. Thankfully, Rosie (Mel’s mom) was able to assist Mel in Kansas, while our family anxiously waited for Brian to arrive. Zailyn Faith was born four days late (April 30th), hand first, waving to the world, into the arms of her mother and father. Interestingly, Triston, Pacha and Zailyn all have birthdays on the last day of the month.
Throughout the year, Mel was thankful to manage the roller coaster by depending on faith, running, a strong support network (especially BOTH of our parents who endlessly love and help us) and a quaint neighborhood on-post in Fort Riley, Kansas.
A week after Brian arrived home from Iraq, we learned that Brian would be invited to join the 2/75 Rangers in Fort Lewis, Washington, pending the completion of a course in Fort Benning, Georgia. In September/October 2010, Brian passed the course in Georgia, returned to Kansas, and we began preparations to move in November.
As change so frequently entertains us, we were delighted at the thought of moving to the northwest. Thus far, we are thoroughly enjoying the beauty of our new haven in Dupont, Washington. We are tucked on the coast of the Puget Sound between the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier - most certainly in our element. Our family was blessed to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas 2010 together.
Although it typically feels like a zoo around our house from sunrise to sunset, we’ll admit that the kids keep us going and continue to be the positive light through each day. At four years old, Triston enjoys preschool, looking after his sisters, and constantly demonstrating his clever engineering abilities with his trains, legos, tinker toys and building blocks. Pacha (two) is still lively as ever, following around her brother and expressing her artistic talents through dancing, play doe creations and drawing. Zailyn (9 months) happily rolls/crawls around, dodging her siblings that shower her with love. Mel continues to appreciate the time at home with the kids, aside from volunteering with the unit and occasionally stealing away to take a run. The days are never dull and seem to pass quickly, particularly with the tempo and uncertainty of our lifestyle.
With the start of a new year, we wish each of you all our best. Enjoy our annual album from December 2009 to present.
We love you all.
Brian, Mel, Triston, Pacha & Zailyn