Michael's air to air refueling video

I had the awesome opportunity to ride in a tanker today. While up there, I got to see Mike refuel in the air as well as several other guys from the 95th fighter squadron. I took tons of photos and video and put together this little video. This will be a sneak peak of more to come.

What an awesome experience. I am so proud of you, Mike!!! Just another day at work!

Grandparents Are Grand

I recently had a moment when I realized that I am a truly lucky person. Several weeks ago when I was home, I had breakfast with my mom, great-aunt Maureen and four of my grandparents! How many 28 year-olds out there have 4 living grandparents and can spend a morning with all of them at the same place?!?!

Earlier this summer, my mom's dad, Jack "Gramps" Flanagan and his wife, Marion, moved to Indy from Florida. When they first arrived, they went with my mom to look for a place to live. During their search, they stopped by to see my other grandparents, Elsie, my dad's mom and her husband Cy DesJean. It just so happened that their neighbors were moving out that day, so Gramps and Marion decided to move in! Now all 4 of my grandparents live next door to each other! That's convenient for me!

Left to right: Grandpa Cy, Me, Mom, Grandma Elsie, Aunt Maureen, Marion, and Gramps

We all had breakfast at a local diner. Hours were spent chatting about health, doctors' visits, houses, moving to Japan, "The War," future marriages and graduations, and life in general. I couldn't stop thinking, "What a special event this is! An ordinary Friday morning, conversation over mediocre coffee, and boisterous laughter with loved ones. Yes, how very special this is."

As they spoke, I tried to soak up their personalities, the sound of each voice, the unique tweaks of each that make them who they are. Gramps is very funny with his witty comments, nicknames, and "swishy walk." Marion is strong. She laughs often and laughs loud. It's contagious! The way she and Gramps interact is material for a television comedy sitcom!

Gramps, myself, Marion, and Aunt Maureen Flanagan!

Grandpa Cy is smarter than anyone I know. Though he acts and speaks in his own time, when he completes his thoughts, he is insightful, intelligent, and has a keen memory for random facts! Grandma Elsie is gentle, caring, and energetic. She is always on the move, and it takes much to slow her down. She too has the memory of an elephant but her specialty is people. With a family as large as hers, she does well to remember everyone's names; but she knows all birthdays, anniversaries, pets names, and sporting team record and sends cards for each event. They are all different but beautiful in their own way.

Grandpa Cy and Grandma Elsie

I am so thankful for that time with them and will miss them so much while we are in Japan. I look forward to seeing all of them at Dave and Catherine's wedding next July!

Gramps, Marion, Gradma Elsie and Grandpa Cy - Thanks for breakfast and all the memories. I love you all!!

Rusty's Halloween Surprise

Mike was trying on his halloween costume and gave Rusty a huge surprise! Mike had to take it off to get him to calm down. Once he saw who was under the mask, he was sooooo happy to see his dad!!

Let the Countdown Begin!!

So, it's been way too long since I have posted anything on the Glass Blog. Don't think I have been ignoring you. I've been busy! The next few posts will highlight my adventures over the past few weeks.

But FIRST! We have some solid-ish plans on the move to Japan!! (Please keep in mind that EVERYthing is subject to change... we are dealing with the Air Force here.)

As of now, the movers will be here on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 3rd and 4th to pack up all of our stuff and ship it off. We turn over our keys to the house on Thursday the 5th. Many of our family will be in town that day to celebrate Mike's graduation from the F-15c B-course on Friday the 6th! Now, he still has 2 flights and a few projects, but hopefully he will be ready to graduate that day! By Saturday we need to sell 2 cars, organize our life, and spend some quality time with our friends and family. Sunday, we head north for our last few days in the States!

Check out the whirlwind Glass Tour de Midwest to see if we will be coming to a city near you!

Sunday, November 8th - Maysville, KY

Monday, November 9th - Indianapolis, IN

Tuesday, November 10th - Cincinnati, OH

Wednesday, November 11th - Seattle, WA

Friday, November 13th - Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan

It's really not that far off now! I am getting nervous for the long trip but am really excited to get there and be settled. I hope that we can see some of you one last time before we take off. Please keep reminding me to take big deep breaths, smell the flowers, enjoy a glass of wine with friends, and appreciate the salty breezes while I can! Thanks for all of your support! We love you all!!

Lynn

Rusty and Friends

Rusty has made several friends here in Panama City. I try to schedule at least one play date every week so he has a chance to socialize and get some of that energy out! He has SO MUCH ENERGY! Meet a few of his favorite friends!

Rusty and Gus practice "go lay down."

When Indy and Rusty play, Indy looks like Rusty's shadow!

Rusty also graduated from Intermediate Obedience Class on Thursday. He has learned so much and really can be a very good dog when he wants to be. During his graduation he had to show off all his newest tricks which included "stay" in sitting, laying, and standing positions, heel, "go lay down," "wait," "roll over," "shake," "high five," "wave," and my personal favorite "bow." He really likes to bow too cause that is what he does for all commands now. At the very end, the instructor had a little graduation cap that she put on all the dogs to get pictures. None of the other dogs liked it except, of course, Rusty. He literally sat perfectly still and SMILED!! What a cheeser! Can you tell we are proud parents? Congrats on your graduation, Rusty!!

Ready for his close-up.

He was checkin' out his diploma.

What a Week!!

We have had soooo much going on lately that I haven't had time to post in a while. Here is a quick rundown of our events:

Last Friday I planned a small fundraiser for the squadron to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. It was a back to school theme party and everyone who came dressed like someone at school. We had Mexican exchange students, a wrester without his front teeth, a prom king, a few naughty school girls, and some cheerleaders. I, of course, was the lunch lady fully equipped with a pot of red jello shot "sloppy joes." Mike was my hunky lady's softball coach with the extra short shorts!

Saturday, we went down to Mexico Beach for an afternoon of beach volleyball followed by an evening of watching football! Go Irish! Beat Boilers!!

Tuesday, the 95th fighter squadron had a lobster boil! They flew 2 F-15s up to Maine and brought back about 90 pounds of live lobsters. We all hung out eating and drinking and shooting the breeze. The food was FANTASTIC and the company grand. What a great Tuesday evening!

Friday night we headed downtown Panama City for Octoberfest festivities with the rest of the squadron. I don't have pictures of this night, but that is probably a good thing. Saturday, we headed back to the beach for volleyball. Finally, Sunday I spent the day running from a baby shower to dinner with the OG.

I am exhausted but looking forward to another jam packed week! The marathon is less than a week away and I get to go home for the last time before the big move! Can't wait to see some of you up in Chicago this weekend!!

E'Pole and Rosalita - the Mexican exchange students. Notice the tequila holsters!!

Kris the cheerleader, Me, Tanya, McKay the Catholic school girl, Heidi with the most school spirit!

It's not a true 95th squadron party until there is dancing on the bar.

Mexico Beach volleyball! Love it!

Our lobster before his hot bath!

Afterwards... so tasty!

Mike was not quite as excited about it as I was.