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Friedman Family Grace Maggie Clark Quinn Home Pictures Stories Family Guestbook |
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Updated: Mar 04, 2012  |
OUR STATE QUALIFIER!!!
 Congratulations Grace for qualifying for State Swimming in the 50 Backstoke! We are so proud of you!
The boys are officially roommates!!!
 That's right, Quinn is now in his 1st Big Boy Bed!!! He hasn't started crawling out of his crib yet and is a few months shy of when Clark moved into a big boy bed, but he's ready. And the boys were both VERY excited to be roommates. Now we'll have to see how it goes. I have a feeling I have some frustrating nights ahead of me as we get used to the new norm. All part of growing up. ;)
Hope all is well...
Guess who descended on the farm!?!?!?
 Okay, okay, okay, enough bad mouthing me...It's not like I'm busy or anything! Just Kidding ;) So for a quick update since Christmas. Life in Jon's world has been crazy busy!!! Mid-January I headed down to Tyndall AFB to be the project officer for the squadron's deployment to Combat Archer to shoot missiles. It was a very, very busy trip! But, the 120 men and women I took down there had a great time. We had 14 first time missile shooters and 18 overall along with aerial gunnery and dissimilar fighting against Langley Raptors and Canadian Hornets. Great trip. To answer your question, yes we shoot at each other. No better way to practice than the real thing right!?!?!? WRONG! We shoot at drones. I was lucky enough to get to shoot and Infrared Missile and get a flight in a F-4 Phantom...circa 1965! AWESOME! That alone made the headaches worthwile. Additionally, I got the opportunity to hang out with friends from Italy and Korea who are now stationed in the panhandle as well.
As always, a huge thank you goes out to my family, Nani & Papa and Emily for taking care of the homefront while I got to go off. You are invaluable to me! You support is amazing...as always! THANK YOU.
In other stories the boys started up swimming lessons again. They are both doing great. Surprisingly, the layoff did not hurt them. And, Quinn is getting moved up to the 3-6 yr old preschool class starting next month at 2.5. We may have another swimmer in the making. He is so comfortable in the water.
Speaking of water, this is a big weekend for the fam, this weekend is Grace last meet to qualify for State Swimming. Please send lots of prayers this weekend that she does good. And last weekend Maria traveled to Grove City College for Championships and did an outstanding job and just received the leadership award for her unstoppable drive and making their swimming program a reality. WAY TO GO MARIA! We are so proud of you!
 On one sad note, I had the privilege of flying out to Denver last weekend to lay our good friend Sally Daniel to rest. The Lord finally called her home after a long health battle. "TooToo" has been a huge part of our lives and she will be greatly missed. We love you Sally.
   That about does it for a quick look. Hope all is well and thank you to everyone for the Christmas cards. For all those who recently PCS'd or are about to, don't forget to sent me your new addresses.
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE FRIEDMAN'S!
 Merry Christmas to everyone! I pray that your holidays are as blessed as our's. This Christmas season continued with Clark's Christmas concert on Monday. I'd like to say he rocked the show, but he was a little shy and did provide some good comic relief. He is the newest (about a month) and the youngest kid in his class. So he was very nervous and started each song standing in line and then slowly moved toward the teacher. Video's below for your enjoyment.
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At the same time we welcomed our good friend's Tom and Steph, plus their five kids. It was a big sleepover, as the girls were with us too. All the kids had a great time and it was so great to see them again. Thank you again for added an extra seven hours to your drive so that we could be together.
On Tuesday, Grandma Teresa and Maria came to town to celebrate Christmas. After going out for dinner we came back and had a great night opening presents. Grandma T made elf slippers for all of us...they work awesome on the wood floors! The boys got Bears t-shirts and Emily received some wonderful "domestic" gifts to continue her "domestic nurturing". ALL Grandma T's idea! Not my fault! But very funny! :)
Thursday night Emily and I attended the Academy Christmas Dinner. A nice opportunity to dress up and be adults. It was a lot of fun. Amy did an amazing job getting it going again this year. Thank you, Amy!
From there we had a couple days to get the last minute things for Christmas. Christmas Eve, we all got dressed up in new clothes thanks to Mom (GREAT JOB!) and made it to Mass with all the Friedman's. From there it was to Grandma Doreen's for the traditional Christmas dinner (Swiss Steak, which she has made since 1969!), we all managed to somehow fit into Mom's basement. After dinner, we cleaned up and opened presents. The kids an amazing time! So much generosity!
Then is was home to put out reindeer food and wait for Santa. Clark thankfully let us sleep in until 8:15, and he got up all the kids and we opened presents. Mom, Dad and Santa did great! As always, Santa stole the show, but I guess that's the jolly ole' elf's job! :)
After playing with our presents for awhile, it was off to Jeanne's for brunch, followed by naps and we rounded out the night with a few drink with the adults at the bar...a growing family tradition. It truly was a very blessed Christmas!
As I look back on 2011, I cannot help but be thankful for all the miracles God has given me this year. I am so lucky to have two of the nicest, and most handsome boys in the world. Then to be honored with bringing Emily, Grace and Maggie into our lives. God's plan has surely been a gift. I cannot wait to see what He has in store for us in 2012! :)
We pray your Christmas season is a blessed as our's and wish you a very Happy New Year!
COSTA RICA
 And last, but certainly not least, I surprised Emily with a trip to Costa Rica! I had it planned for several months after finding an amazing deal online so we decided to take an adult only trip where we could spend some time with just us. We left the Sunday after Thanksgiving and spent three full days in retreat. The first day was our adventure day. I signed us up for ziplining, rappeling, horseback riding, tubing and finally a hot springs adventure. The ziplining was awesome! We started splitting the lush canopy rain forests and then work our way into an amazing water canyon where we rappelled off a bridge down to a tarzan swing, followed by rock climbing up to the next platform for more ziplining. From there, it was onto our mounts where we walked through the trails down to where we shed our riding clothes for swim suits and grabbed our inner tubes to hit the rapids...which we hit...and a few of them hurt! Definitely more aggressive than I was expecting, but a lot of fun. Afterward it was lunch and then relaxing in a mud bath and hot springs. A great day. Days two and three we just took it easy by the beach and pool and watched the sunset with a few cocktails. On Tuesday night, we went out for a nice dinner out. Emily looked drop dead gorgeous! We headed out for a nice romantic dinner on the beach - literally! At one point the waves crashed and went under our table and about ten feet behind us! After moving our table, we enjoyed an amazing meal that needed to be cut short unfortunately due to an allergic reaction to dairy by Emily. No matter, we hightailed it back to the hotel for medicine and all was good. We enjoyed a drink at the bar as fireworks began going off down on the beach. And finally went down on the beach to watch the moonset. As the moon disappeared into the ocean, I got down on one knee and asked Emily to marry me! :) She was totally shocked, but thankfully said yes!!!!! She had no idea! Perfect! We are planning a smaller wedding with close family and friends next year.
I am so blessed that God saw fit to not only bring one wonderful women into my life, but a second...and with her, two amazing daughters that the boys already consider sisters. This holiday season brings so much joy and love into our lives, that we pray you find the same peace and love in your lives as we celebrate another Christmas together!
HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY MONKEY!!!!
 We celebrated Clark's 4th Birthday last weekend! Man how time flies. It's are to believe it is already four years ago that we arrived in Italy to start the next leg of our adventures. Even more crazy is that in that time, Clark has traveled the world hitting four continents before he turned 1! But I digress...This year's birthday was a little crazy, but fun nonetheless and a sign of what is to come with three siblings. We managed to work Clark's birthday party between Grace's swim meet (see below). It was just a small family affair of about 20 people. We ordered pizza and wings and Clark had a Hot Wheels Cupcake Cake! It turned out great. After cake, it was off to open presents, and like always, we were blessed with the out pouring of love from his family and friends. I am happy to say, and bragging a little, Dad had the favorite present - a Francesco from Cars 2. However since then he has moved onto movies and his Hot Wheels tracks. A great birthday! Thank you again everyone!
Sioux Falls Snow Fox Swim Meet
 In addition to Clark's birthday, last week was also another of Grace's swim meets. This time it was in Sioux Falls at the Snow Fox Invitational. Like always, Grace did an amazing job! She swam all of her events and missed first in the 100 IM by .10 seconds! Great job sweetie. The rest of the kids had fun camping and cheering her on. Grace was lucky enough to have Uncle Andrew and Grandma Doreen come out and cheer her on. Only negative side were the Snow Fox facilities. The venue offered very cramped camping (they needed at least one more gym for the size of the meet) and at least one more set of bleachers. Oh well, it is what it is and we had a great time. Who knows...maybe next year Grace will even be a Fox. ;)
THANKSGIVING!
 Yes, I am so far behind that I haven't even hit Thanksgiving yet...so let's start there and continue to work forward in the holidays! This year we went up to Milbank, SD to spent Thanksgiving with Emily's family. Needless to say, I was a little nervous because although I had already met most of her immediate family, I had not met any of the Milbank crew and I knew how important the "Milbank Vote" was to Emily. So, we loaded up the kids and headed up there Thursday morning. When we arrived, I was shocked how similar they are to the Friedman holidays. Like us, they rent out the Church gym because of their numbers and everyone brings something. I tried to help out in the kitchen and make a good impression, but I was informed by Alan that they do things by hand, no electric blenders on mash potatoes for them! So I was banished to menial labor only. ;) We all sat down and sufficiently gorged ourselves on turkey, ham and all the fixings. After dinner, it was on to the growing pie contest. After much bribery, Grandpa decided the winner and we continued stuffing ourselves with pie. Now all fat-puppy-tired, we reclined to board games and cards as all the kids continued to tear up the gym. In the evening we went out to Keri and Alan's farm (Emily's aunt and uncle) for more fun and both boys got a tractor ride...HUGE success! Thanks Alan. As the adults stayed up late into the night playing Quelf, the kids watched a movie and sacked out. All in all, it was a wonderful Thanksgiving!
IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!
 Friday morning we got up and headed back to Emily's to setup Christmas stuff at her house. It was fun having all the kids there to help with the tree. Then the following weekend after Emily and I got back from our trip (see below) we setup Christmas decorations at my house. Thankfully, I had already put up the lights, so I didn't lose any fingers! hehehe As with the first tree, the kids did a great job. No ornaments were broken, but I am still in the process of slowing spreading them out over the tree as both Clark and Quinn decided that all their Christmas balls had to hang on the same branch. Gotta love kids! :)
 With Christmas decorations up, the only thing left to do??? Go see Santa of course! We headed out to the mall on a Sunday afternoon, and to our shock, there was no line!!! We walked in and the kids got an AWESOME picture with the jolly fellow. After seeing Santa (and probably more fun for Clark), Grace, Maggie and Clark got a ride on the train around the mall as Dad chased Quinn and Mom made a run for a present exchange.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
 And most recently, this week the Christmas Concerts began. We headed up to Brookings for Grace's concert on Wednesday and Maggie's on Thursday. Grace's concert featured the traditional telling of Jesus' birth with singing, and Maggie's focused on all the fun Christmas songs like Jingle Bells. Both girls looked very beautiful in their new Christmas dresses! Great job Mom!
Watch out Michael Phelps! :)
 Trying to do a few quick updates more frequently then waiting for every four months. This past we went up to Brookings for the Brookings Swim Invitation that Grace took part in. It was our first "camping" experience to have the all the kids there and see her swim. I am happy to say that it went really well. We setup in the gym and only went into the pool for Grace's events. The boys and Maggie were running non-stop! We were lucky enough to have Grandma Teresa, Uncle Andrew, and cousin Sarah there to cheer Grace on. And she did outstanding! She cut time in EVERY event! And she is only 3 seconds away from qualifying for State in the 50 Free and 100 Backstroke! We are very proud of her! Hope you enjoy a few pictures... Until next time...
 (PS - The song is from one of Grace's favorite artist...Selena Gomez!)
   Clark & Papa Kate & Papa Quinn & Papa
WELCOME TO THE WORLD!!!!!
 Welcome Kathryn (Kate) Matalee Crider
(In Friedman fashion) TOT: 9:31am / Payload: 6lb 12oz / Wingspan: 19.5in
 After a long labor and delivery, mom, dad and Kate are doing great. She gave Beth a run for her money (get it?), and decided to try to come out face up, but after some good work by the doctor flipping her over, she joined our wonderful family. Nani and Papa are ecstatic to be adding a little girl to the grandkids! :) Great job Bethie! We are so proud of you. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
 Happy Halloween...Finally!
Sorry everyone for my incredibly slow update from Halloween. Doesn't feel like I have sat down since then. But here is a quick update with a few pictures on the picture page. We had everyone over to our house this year for Halloween...over 30 people! Since I had the day afternoon, I spent the afternoon cooking before the masses descended on the the house. My family was over and then several of Emily's friends joined us as well. We had a great time! The boys really enjoyed trick or treating! Quinn actually got to take part rather than me just carrying him. We were lucky enough to have temps in the 50's so that made it fun for all. We made it around the block and then the kids got tired of walking, but still managed to get more candy than I'll let them eat in a year! Then it was back to the house for more food and conversations with our guests. Thank you for everyone who posted pics and I hope you enjoy a few from us.
Love...The Friedmans HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY QUINN!!!
 Hello everyone...Just a quick update...We had an amazing time celebrating Quinn's 2nd Birthday! We only had a small get-together of family (read 20 people), but had so much fun celebrating. Nani & Papa were able to make it in from Denver to celebrate the big day. We had pizza and cake and ice cream. Quinn got some amazing gifts, as always. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful family and friends!
 Had to include a graduation picture of my God-Son Tyler! So proud of him!
 I think this is a perfect picture to share as we reach's Katie's 2 year anniversary. It shows our amazing love for each other and Katie's amazing smile that brightened everyone's lives. The sunset in the back shows God's amazing glory and reminds me that He and Katie are always looking down on us. It's hard to believe it has already been so long since she was called Home. I will never understand why she was taken from us so soon, but I trust in His wisdom and try to lean on His words of John 17:4. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you and miss you! I pray you will watch over and guide us. Love, always & forever...
I am so blessed to have shared Katie's and so thankful God has seen fit for me to be blessed by the love of another wonderful woman. Over the past few months, mine and Emily's love has grown into something I never thought I would find again. She has brought me, and the boys, so much joy and love back into our lives. Along with her two daughters, Grace (10) and Maggie (5), I am hopeful of the future we can build together.
 HELLO WORLD!!!!
 Hello Everyone! Sorry it has been so long since our last updated, but it appears I'm on a four more rotation...who knew this parenting thing could be so busy and only get worse! It's all good though. We are having a lot of fun and it was a great summer! So without further delay, let me try to get you caught up.
When last we spoke, I was just getting ready to deploy to Pakistan for four months. It ended up pretty a pretty good time. A little interesting as we showed up four days after Bin Laden was killed, but we were warmly received by all of the Pakistani's we worked with. We flew in Islamabad and then caught a military connection down to Air Base Shahbaz down in the south. I had the privilege of flying their AMAZING brand-new F-16 Block 52+s. AWESOME aircraft! The nine pilots and I had a great time teaching them how to use their new toys. We average 120-130 degrees everyday with the heat index toping out at 169 one day, which we send three crew chiefs to the hospital that day, one of which was evac'd for a heat stroke. The lived in an American only compound that did have air conditioners, but were only rated to 110 and we would frequently come back to our rooms being over 100! The food was good but very repetitive. Some form of chicken and rice at every meal, cooked by the Paks. It tasted like what American's would consider as Indian food, but spicier. But that was also our biggest enemy. There was three of the nine of us sick at any given time...mostly do to the food. Our hosts tried to control the quality, but with it coming from the local populace off base there was no control. While the base will eventually be really nice it has a long way to go. Only three rooms outside the compound had air conditioning and the enlisted troops were still sleeping in tents. Outside the base was like a fourth-world country. There were 500,000 people living in the land mass about the size of the Academy grounds. We were not allowed off base and only three of the Pakistani pilots had ever been off base...too dangerous - think 18th century Tombstone! No joking!
While I was gone, Nani watched the boys for most of the time and did a fantastic job! I was very proud of her. We were able to webcam about once a week and that really helped everyone! While Nani was here, the boys made frequent trips to the park and had very active days with Marj pulling out her old teacher memories. Everyone loved it. Anyway, it was a great time overall and I am glad I had the chance to go...and come home! ;) Since coming home, it has been a very busy summer. July marked another Friedman family reunion. Unfortunately, the crowd was on the smaller side due to conflicts, but we still had a great time. It was hosted by Jared and Chantelle this year because Jeanne and Jacki were unable to get to their cabins this summer except by four-wheeler because of flooding, but we still had a great time packed into their house. Then in August it was out to Denver and Aspen to spend some time with Nani and Papa, and to meet up with Beth and Keith and Kirsten with her kids all the way from Germany! We had a great time with everyone from going up to the top of the mountain to swimming in the pool. Just some great family time! :) And I almost forgot, "baby Bethie" was also there! That's right, for those of you who don't know, Beth is expecting her first in November...no word on boy or girl yet. Clark and Quinn are very excited!!!
 In September, I rounded off my Triathlon season with the annual Triple V Triathlon. The original plan was to do seven, but Pakistan crushed that idea, so I am happy with just getting my first and last of the season in...both races with personal bests! :) Can't wait for next year! Then it was back out to Colorado for a friend's wedding at the Academy. Thanks Wicked and Nichole for an awesome time!!!
Now, enough about the overall flow...on to my two amazing boys! Wow!!! Has it been a great summer! They are both growing up so fast. Clark continued his swimming lessons and is doing a great job. We spend all of August in the water. He did so well that when we started up again last week for the fall they moved him up! I am so proud of him. He also has started a new preschool! It came as a little bit of a surprise, but our daycare purchased another building to break out an official preschool. After being a little nervous, I am happy to say that it is going wonderfully. I take them both to "Baby Snickle" (Clark's title) in the morning and then they take Clark over to Snicklefritz Prep when it opens at 7:30. It is a beautiful facility and I am really happy. It actually feels like a Preschool rather than a daycare. And it gives Quinnn more room at Baby Snickle, as they had really outgrown that building for everyone. I see significant improvement in Clark every day and he will be crush when kindergarten when he gets there in two years. It's hard to believe he's not four yet with the way he speaks. If it were allowed, I probably could start him next year, but SD is strict about their age deadlines. No worries, plenty of time for school later. In other news, he still loves running. And appears to be taking to soccer, although he won't actually play until next year. I know it's still early, but I am not thinking contact sports for him. ;) He is doing awesome on his bike and has even ridden with his training wheels off a few times! Such a big boy!
 Now to the little guy...Quinn is growing up so fast. I think he is picking up on things even faster than Clark did because he LOVES to copy his big brother. It is so cute when he yells for "CARK". And with no response, he yells with more force and even louder. It's hard not to laugh when he's doing it because he's mad. Speaking of which, Quinn is my passionate one. He definitely can flip moods fast! And man is he Mr. Indepedent! He can go off and play all by himself and be perfectly happy. (Huge help for me!) Quinn also moved up in "classrooms" at Baby Snickle. He is in the 18-36 month group and is making huge progress. I can tell a major difference in his ability to comprehend and speak since the move. I think I have two very intelligent boys! Like Clark, he started swimming lessons too. Unlike Clark who is in the water by himself, I get in with Quinn. His is mostly about being comfortable in the water and knowing how to keep his head above water and get himself out. But, I figured that was very important with how much I love the water and with the lake cabins.
 Well, I think that hits the highlights of the summer. I hope everyone else had a great summer and is ready for fall :) and winter :(...But that's is South Dakota. Oh, I almost forgot...I applied for my first fulltime position here at the South Dakota Air National Guard. I don't think I'll get it because there are several highly qualified people applying and some have been waiting for a fulltime job longer, but I thought I throw my hat in the ring when this one suddenly came up. If I don't get it, I still have about a year and a half on my Air Force assignment here so there is still time.
Until next time...love and blessings to all! Love Jon.Clark.Quinn
We're BACK!!!!!! :-)
 Wow, how time flies. I apologize for not getting an update out in the last four months! I cannot believe it's been that long. This winter/spring has flown by. Didn't believe that would ever be the case on those snowy mornings when I was chipping three inches of solid ice off my driveway! But hey, we are here....mostly! So let me see if I can catch you up.
Starting with the little guy. He just flipped the 18 month point and is turning into a very handsome little boy! How crazy is that. His last checkup, thanks Mom, he came in right at 50% for height and 25% for weight. He was 24lbs 1oz, and 32.5 inches. That puts him even with his younger cousin Caleb, and SIX pounds lighter than his older cousin Jacob!!!! he he he Quinn is also walking and talking!!! He gets about the first three or four letters of most of what he wants to say, and will a little pointing, does a great job of communicating with dad. He loves school once he's there, but hates to see people leave, especially dad! He is moving up to the 18-36 month class. The same one Clark started in. I am so happy with his progress. I think I have another smart one in the making. We've also been fighting colds all winter, thank you SD and a mattery eye. He went in a couple weeks ago to have his tear ducts probed. He did really well and it ended up being a great choice. His right was completely blocked and the left was partially blocked. So far he has only woken up with a little matter in is eye once! Like his older brother, the summer will be spent outside. In fact the only way I get him inside is by letter him close the garage door....then he realizes he's done outside and doesn't like that too much. Wonder how long that trick will last! ;-)
On to Clark. As you can see from the pictures he is a lady killer. With his killer smile, blond hair and blue eyes he is going to be a force to be recken with! :-) He can be found most days with running around with his sunglasses on protecting the baby blues. He loves school and is making huge strides in his letters, numbers and speech. I've even heard him count to twenty already! He started swimming lessons this winter and will continue this summer after I get back. The first class was with me in the water and this summer he will be going in by himself! I can't wait to get him (and Quinn) comfortable with the water for the time at the lake. I am also ecstatic to report that he is sleeping through the night and is fully potty trained and has been for quite some time! School was amazing in teaching him for me! He still loves to read, and is still solidly in Blues Clues, Barney, and now Pirates!
And last for the old man. Things have been really good for me! Work has kept me very busy with a trip every month or so. I spent two weeks in February down in Tucson where I got to catch up with a lot of old friends, and still couldn't meet up with everyone. The great thing about the military is I have tremedous friends everywhere!!! Speaking of which, the boys and I just got back from a great trip out to Virgina to see Jenn & Henry and Jason & Jamie. Everyone had a great time. The boys did wonderfully traveling and it was a nice break for me. But, dad was ready to go back to work by the end of the week. ;-) And as we head in the summer, I was super pumped to begin my Triathlon season. I had my first race of the season right before leaving for Virginia. They had to trim it down to a Swim/Run biathlon due to snow, but it was still a great first race. I was ecstatic to come in 16th of 109! Better than I had hoped for and proof that my winter of training paid off. I was hoping to continue that trend into the rest of the summer, but alas, mother Air Force had other plans for me. I was notified about three weeks ago that I leave next week for a 60 day deployment to Pakistan! Yeah, I know! Crazy, especially considering last nights news! But don't fret, I'm not some super secret CIA agent or retrained crazy SEAL type (amazing job though!), I'm headed over there to train them on their new F-16s. Should be a lot of fun and resets my date so the AF doesn't send me off for something longer and non-flying. Well, need to get back to my To Do List!
Quite a few pictures on the pictures page and a few videos below!
I hope this finds everyone well and I would be remis if I didn't take a second to thank the thousands of men and women who've paid the ultimate price in protection of this great land. God bless to all...
  The boys looking for Easter Eggs... (not sure where that voice is coming from)
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Busch Gardens...Yes, they were sideways...Crazy Kiddie ride!
 I hope this finds everyone doing well in 2011! It's hard to believe that in another month we will have already been in the house for a year! Crazy! We had a very busy, but very enjoyable Christmas season. We flew out to Denver on the 18th through the 25th to spent Christmas the Wise's and had a great time. We were lucky enough to be joined by Auntie Bethie and Uncle Keith, and then additional guests of Steen & Tasha and Thor & Charlotte, and Will & Shawna and Katy D. I am very happy to report that TooToo is home and getting better by the day! Thank the Lord for answered prayers! We flew back on the 25th to go straight to the big Friedman Family Christmas and to close out Christmas with our usual trip to the bar...pretty soon everyone will be going to the bar. I guess at that point we can just have Christmas there! Is that wrong? Anyway, it was a great time all around. The boys got even more presents than they need, but tis the season to spoil! :-)
In other news work continues to go well for me, but it is definitely busy. I had a trip in November to Florida, one in December to Mesa, a two day trip to Utah tomorrow, and two weeks in Mesa next month. The good news is flying is going well and if I could just get over this stupid cough it would be great....oh, and the South Dakota winter ease up so we could actually fly! :-P
The boys are doing well. Both had there checkups in the last couple months and are doing well. Quinn came through his surgery with flying colors and is sitting right at the 50 percentile for height and weight. Clark showing his brother the way and hitting the 50 percentiles as well. Right on track. School is going wonderfully, and as sad as it was to see Laura go, it was definitely a good choice. Well that about does it for now. I put pictures on the picture page and a couple videos at the bottom.
And a final shot out to an amazing example of an officer and husband, Col Brian Smith is retiring next week. We had the opportunity to serve together at Osan and get to know his lovely wife Dee, Katie absolutely loved hanging out with her. A heartfelt goodbye to a great friend and I wish you the best!!!! HARRUMPH!!!!
Love to all....
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
 Happy 3rd Birthday Clark!!!!
  The craziness of the Christmas season continues...Our little man turned the mighty age of three! Yeah!!! As I am off on a trip tomorrow (weather depending) we decided to celebrate his birthday a day early so that I could be here for it since I missed last year. To add to the excitement, I got sick on Tuesday night and the boys had been staying at Jared's ever since so that I didn't pass it along to them. Thank the Lord for family near by! After a little scrambling and help from all, we decided to have the party at my mom's house as to not get everyone else sick right before the holidays. Then to add to the madness, we got blanketed with almost eight inches of snow overnight and a nice thirty mile an hour South Dakota wind to push us right into those blizzard conditions! Nonetheless, we made it happen. After plowing through some snow drifts and blowing mom out, we had a nice birthday. It was just a small gathering of most of the immediate family, nothing fancy. Clark was still hidden behind a mound of gifts and he had a wonderful time. He topped it off with a "Cars" Cupcake Cake...and no, I didn't make this one! Then I got the boys home so Quinn could nap and Clark could skip his nap and play with his toys. Thankfully they were both in bed by 7:30pm as they were pooped! (We'll see if I pay for that in the morning!) All in all, it was a great day to celebrate his birthday.
Quick update on Quinn. He has healed nicely and although very unfortunate to have to put him through that again, I am very happy we got it taken care of now. And I had a little bit of a scare last night as he vomited in his bed. I was worried he had caught what I had until I went to make Clark some chocolate milk today and realized that Quinn's milk was completely spoiled...of which I gave him a huge glass of last night. Not a proud parental moment....ooops...
Now it's down to Mesa for a week of intense simulator training, back Friday night, fly out again to Denver Saturday afternoon for Christmas, and finally back Christmas day to spend time with my brother who's coming in from DC...it will be a whirlwind up until New Year's! So until the New Year, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year! I pray you get to spend this holiday in the arms of those you love....
 In addition to all the other craziness right now, we managed to get some Christmas decorations up this morning. I remember having more, but maybe that is just because we have more space now. Hope you all are getting in the season!
  Just a quick update. Quinn's surgery went well. He was quite the trooper. It took him about an hour and a half to come out of the anesthesia, at which point he cried himself back to sleep. He woke up to immediately begin eating and drinking. Then, if his day wasn't rough enough, walking out of the hospital I slipped on the ice and ended up square on my arse. Thankfully, he managed to stay upright in the fall. I'll need to keep vaseline on him until it completely heals and the stitches dissolve..should be about 10 days total. And finally, I converted Quinn's crib upstairs into a full size bed for Clark. So he will be sporting a new look in his room. Say a prayer it helps his sleep!!! Love to all and hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Sorry forgot to mention, Quinn had to be re-circumcised...ouch!
Happy Halloween
  Not sure what's with my smile!?!?!
 Grandkids at Jared's to go Trick or Treating
Just a quick update: We had a great time with Trick or Treating. Quinn only stayed in his costume long enough to make pictures. Then it was off for Daddy and Clark to go Trick or Treating. He wasn't very sure at the beginning but quickly warmed up to it. We made it to abot 15 houses or so before we got tired of walking...thankfully the houses in Jared's neighborhood are spread out. :) Then it was back to the house for Daddy to remove most of the candy and/or switch it out to slightly less sugary candy!
Oh...took Quinn to the doctor this morning. 22.5 lbs and 31 inches! He's taken a couple steps, but not walking yet. And strangely he doesn't like to hold onto hands and walk. It is either along the couch, with his walker or crawling....all in good time.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUINN!!!!
GUESS WHO'S ONE!?!?!?!
THIS GUY!!!!
   Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone for all of the birthday wishes and blessings this week! We were lucky enough to have Papa and Nani join us for Quinn's first birthday, which if I do say so myself (and I do), it was a smashing success...get it??? ;) On Saturday afternoon, we just had a small family get together of almost 30 people to celebrate the little man turning one!!!! With the help of all the family, we had sloppy joes and salads at the house, Clark and Nani made the cupcakes and Daddy made his first ever cake! It was loosely a safari theme, which is why when you see the cupcakes they are zebras and tigers! There are white and orange tigers right??? In the mind of an almost three year old there are! And Quinn's cake...a double decker chocolate fudge cake was a lion! All his...of course!!!!
After dinner and Quinn smashing into his cake, it was off to a room full of presents. Once again, I am amazed at the generosity of our family and friends. We are truly blessed!!! Thank you everyone!
And I almost forgot...Daddy got to see Quinn take his first three steps on Tuesday!!!!! Yeah!!!! Watch out Jacob...Here I come! :)
I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do...John 17:4
Eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord, and let perpetual Light shine upon her...
 Love Always and Forever, me
A VISITOR!!!!!
Just a quick update and a few pictures. We were lucky enough to have Dimi from Italy come over yesterday and spend the evening with us! It was so great to see him again and get an update on Italy. AND, a big update from Italy...Anna is expecting in December!!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO THEM!!!!! We wish we were there to celebrate with you! We love and miss all of our Italy family! God Bless!
  The boys and I also made our first trip to pick pumpkins. Clark had a great time choosing one for each of us...His was the biggest and the one he picked out for Quinn was the smallest...go figure. ;)
 Happy 11 Month Birthday Peanut!!!
    Hello everyone. Sorry it has been such a long time since my last update, but I will try to catch you up. We made out last trip out to Colorado for the summer for my 10 year Academy reunion. We had about 300 classmates come back for it, so it was a really good showing. The weekend went well to include crushing BYU, which was awesome. And, a quick congrats to USAFA for only losing to OU by 3 points yesterday! Awesome! Anyway, we flew in Wednesday night and I drop the boys off with Nani and Papa and then went down to the Springs myself. Had a great time seeing everyone and catching up with old friends.
Since returning we have had a weekend of firsts. Clark got to see his first Broadway-type play. I took him to StoryWorks on Thursday. I thought it was going to be similar to the Sesame Street live we took him to last year, but it ended up being a full two hour production featuring the charactes from four separate Nickelodeon shows. Dora was the hands down favorite! Then Friday marked Clark's first day of no accidents to include waking up Friday morning with a dry diaper! Then Saturday morning was to the barber for Quinn's first haircut. Haven't looked up when specifically Clark's was, but he was a cueball until one so I know Quinn's got him beat. Then Saturday afternoon Clark took his first poop in the potty for me. I was super excited and as I was wiping Clark yelled no at Quinn who had crawled in and then Clark very calmly said, "dad Quinn has my poop." WHATT!!?!?!?!?!?!?! Yep, Quinn had reached into the potty and put it straight into his mouth! AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! YGBSM! After a little cleanup and thankfully Bre had just shown up to help, we got them cleaned up. Quinn puked a couple times, which is probably good, and then didn't seem any worse for the wear.
Well, I think that does it for now. Hope everyone is enjoying the slide into fall!
Clark & Quinn's first sleepover with Nani & Papa!!!!!
 Papa and Clark baking???? Oh boy.... :-/.
 On the phone already...I blame Katie & Marj for this!!!
 Not another one....Phone bills here I come!
 Who's the adult supervision????
 Everyone had a great time while dad was off enjoying some much needed time with his friends at his 10 year class reunion...man how time flies. I am not sure who had more fun, the boys or Nani & Papa. I can guarantee that Nani & Papa were more tired at the end! ;-) Thanks so much!!!
Clark's Favorite Picture...his own eyeball!!!
  Such a cutie!!!
And for a quick additional update: Quinn climbed the stairs this morning all by himself. I was walking my good friend Laura Guenzel (from Aviano) out to her car and when I came back in the house to find Quinn sitting on the landing playing with my wine bottles! Yeah for the stair climber... and all by himself. Time for another gate!
Well, it's hard to believe that it has already been a month since our last update and boy has a lot happened! I cannot believe the summer is already gone. Seems like just yesterday I was praying to get rid of the snow and now summer is over. Since our last meeting, we have been busy. We traveled to Denver for Auntie Beth's wedding. We all had an amazing time! Clark did wonderful and did make it down the aisle...I was a little worried but he did great. Quinn did great just not going into meltdown mode since we were pushing his bed time. Annie, our Denver babysitter, worked magic on both boys. Beth and Keith had an amazing day and then traveled to Las Vegas for a quick stop and then onto Maui for their honeymoon...their first week together matched the splendor of their wedding.
For us, Dad managed to make the trip back with the boys on the airplane alone...we all survived. Then it was a mad dash trying to find a nanny to replace Laura (a huge lose!) Well, after a very stressful couple of weeks and several hopefuls backing out, I realized God was leading us in a different direction and started looking at daycares. I was lucky enough to be recommended to a smaller daycare center called Snicklefritz. It is loosely tied to one of the Lutheran Churches here in town. The boys started in mid-August and have been going there since. So far I am very pleased with it. They have a wonderful structure for both age groups, including prayers and meals and will help with Clark's potty training (probably started tomorrow!) We have already brought home one cold as we encounter all these new germs, but that was expected. Getting the boys up and ready has only cost me an extra five minutes of sleep in the morning, so that is great. The biggest hit now comes with Clark wanting to get up at 630am every morning...including the days daddy doesn't have to work. So much for sleeping in - it was great while it lasted.
Rounding out that last month, I flew back out to Colorado by myself to celebrate Will & Shanna's wedding. Another great time with friends and family in Grand Lake...everything was beautiful and it was great for me to have a weekend without the boys!
And finally, I ask that you raise up the Wise family once more. Earlier this week, Nani & Papa lost a dear friend named Barb Griffitts. She introduced Bill and Marj many years ago. We just got to spend time with her at Bethie's wedding and then she returned home to discover bleeding in her brain and in a few short days, God called her home. It is once again a very trying time for Bill & Marj. I ask you lift them up in your prayers as they say goodbye to yet another loved one.
I pray that this updates finds you well and hope you took the opportunity to create wonderful memories this summer with your friends and family.
(PS I'll try to get some pictures uploaded this week)
Until then, may God bless and keep you
CONGRATULATIONS BETH & KEITH!!!!
 Congratulations to Auntie Bethie an Uncle Keith!!!! We had the most amazing time celebrating your love and can't wait to hear all about the honeymoon (edited version only please!) and look forward to all of the wonderful memories you, and we, will create. Beth the an amazingly beautiful bride! The day was perfect! Clark did a great job making it down the aisle. And Quinn did a great job just falling asleep and letting everyone else enjoy the moment. Congratulations Beth & Keith...We love you...
HAPPY 9 MONTH BIRTHDAY QUINN!!!!
 Man...how time flies. I can hardly believe that Quinn is already 9 months olds. It seems like just yesterday I was bringng him home from the hospital. Sorry I have been a little slow on the update, so let me try to catch you up starting with the birthday boy. Quinn is 9 months...I know....shocker. :) He is quickly leaving the halls of infants for toddlers. He is fully embracing all baby food (sorry buddy, it's the doctor's fault). And he has recently started eating table food. We are taking it slowly, but seems to like everything at this point and anything is better than baby food, right? The only things he can't eat at this point are eggs, dairy and honey until he's one, and then peanuts all the way until two! He seems to like chicken and hasn't tried fish yet, but hey, he's a South Dakotan and that may take a decade or two! He is got up on all fours all the way back at the beginning of June in Denver, crawled his first steps in mid June at the Friedman Family Reunion and is now all over my house! If he wants it, he is off an running. I haven't had a chance to compare to Clark yet, but I think he's got his big brother beat by a full month! Lastly, he went to the doctor on Thursday for his 9 month checkup and here are the stats...drum roll please Josh....Weight: 19lbs 10oz (40th percentile) and Height: 28 1/2in (50th percentile). That mean's as of right now he is on a shrinking trend, but don't worry, still very much in the healthy range!
Moving onto Clark: He is all over the place and absolutely loves the South Dakota summers! With the exception of the wind (just like his mom :) Ironically though, he screws up some of his words. So, if it is "windy" out it is "cold" and if he is caught doing something it he is not supposed to and you ask him what he's doing, rather than saying "nothing", he says "anything" in the most sheepish voice ever...very cute. He loves going to the pool and could stand and jump in for hours. Daddy has to slowly work his way from the shallow end to the deep end so that I can change what muscles I have to use to lift him out for another jump...great arm workout! And lastly, Grandma got him his very first bike. It is a vintage red Schwinn! Pretty nice. Now all we have to do is explain why he is the only kid in the neighborhood who has to where a helmet.
Onto me....Work is very busy, but at least it is very busy from home. We are finally getting our new jets flying after their maintenance acceptance, so as the primary instructor I find myself almost as busy as I was back on active duty (Top-3 duties withstanding thankfully!) On a very bittersweet note, we are having to say goodbye to Laura :( A huge congratulations to her for getting accepted to SDSU's Master's Program, but that means she will be leaving us at the end of the summer. She has been an amazing God-sent to us these last seven months and she will be missed dearly. It was such a huge weight off my shoulders knowing my boys were taken care of. So, I am back on the hunt and pray God will deliver someone just as wonderful and wish her the absolute best!!!
That's all for now...expect big updates on the way as we head to Denver on Tuesday for Auntie Bethie's wedding, of which, Clark is the ring-bearer! Can't wait! One week from today, Bethie will be a married woman! :)
HAPPY 6th ANNIVERSARY BEAUTIFUL!!!!
 It is hard to believe that already six years have gone by since I had the honor of marrying my best friend. It has been such an amazing journey. From meeting Katie the very first time at Jen & Henry's rehearsal dinner where she totally dissed me...and then her completely rearranging the head table the next day at the wedding to sit next to me. Thankfully I had no idea that everyone in the room knew Katie and was watching this fighter pilot try to pick her up...it may have made me a little nervous. :)
From our long distance relationship to her moving to Utah and asking her to marry me on that beautiful night in July. The next year went by in a blink as we (mostly Katie) prepared for the wedding. Friends and family came in from all over the world to celebrate with us - and celebrate we did. I can perfectly envision Katie standing at the end of that long aisle and how beautiful she was as I choked back tears. And then I could never forget the little dance she did when they pronounced us husband and wife...it was perfect - and oh so Katie.
Our life since then seems to be a whirlwind. Out to Korea where we traveled the Pacific and saw places and experienced things that I would have never thought possible...all with the love of my life. Then one fateful day in November I walked in to find Katie sitting on the couch with a weird look in her eyes as she out of the blue proclaimed, "I want a baby." I was floored and wondered what had happened to my wife!
A few months later, Katie was pregnant and we were off to Aviano to explore Europe and the Middle East...amazing! In December Katie gave us an amazing little boy who would forever change our lives (not to mention hit four continents before he turned one!) In what seems to be a flash, Katie was expecting number two. Our life surely was a gift and in October, Katie gave us another beautiful little boy.
And as none of us yet understand, God chose to call Katie home on that night in October. As hard as it is to be without my love, I have a lifetime of memories to look back on and cherish. And, I have two wonderful boys who remind me every day of the love, kindness, joy, humor and absolutely beautiful smile of their mother. So, on this sixth anniversary of such a wonderful day I pray that you are with the one you love and you never miss an opportunity to tell them for it is to my love I say thank you, I miss you, and I cannot wait to be together again. Good night my love...and good morning beautiful!
Love Always & Forever, me
HAPPY 7 MONTH BIRTHDAY!!!! (Him, not me)
It's my birthday!!!!
 Clark's Newly Configured Bed!
Quinn's First "Real" Food
From the homefront...
Going in reverse order this time starting with Dad: My month of travels continue. So far I spent a day (which turned into two) at Hill AFB trying to pick up one of our jets when the nose wheel steering failed. Then home for a short stay and down to Omaha to refresh myself on altitude sickness. Then home for a day and back down to Atlanta for a data link conference. Thank you to my family for watching the boys allowing me not to worry about them when I was gone! Needless to say it was a whirlwind. You would think I would be down...but oh no. I leave on Thursday to Arizona to see a good from take command of one of the squadrons at Luke (GO SHIP!!!) and then next Thursday, we head to Denver to spent Memorial Day Weekend with Nani, Papa and Auntie Bethie. We are all so excited!!! Pray for our sane-safe travels as we are going to drive it! Oh boy.....
Moving onto Clark. He continues to be a great big brother. Very protective of Quinn and as long as Quinn doesn't spend too much of daddy's time, he loves him. ;) He is doing great in his big boy bed. No issues so far...Thank you Lord! Clark spent the morning letting Uncle Tim count and paint his teeth for the first time at the dentist. He did a great job! And I almost forgot...weather is nice and he now lives outside...sound familiar??? (Where's that donkey??? ;)
Now for the little guy. He is growing like a weed. Still only two teeth, but I expect one of the top one's to push through any day. He is regularly sleeping through the night and continues to eat baby food and his bottle. He will eat about anything so far...not a big fan of peas and we are going to give prunes a try tomorrow (Sorry Laura). Still no crawling, but with all his scooting over the last seven months, I don't think that will be very much longer either.
Well, that about does it for now, hope everyone is doing well. Love to all...
Updates from South Dakota
First to the little Guy. As you know he passed the six month mark last week. I would love to say that he received a hero's party, but it was a little on the uneventful side...sorry buddy! He also got his six month checkup. He is in the 75 percentile for height, down from the 90th, and only up to the 55 percentile on weight (FAR lower than I expected.) He continues to be in good health even after three more shots...no, not of whiskey, although he probably would have preferred. ;) He also started "real" food on Tuesday. He has had squash and sweet potatoes so far and seems to be enjoying both. He is consistently getting up only once a night, which is a huge relief; he even made it all the way through the night. He can sit up on his own now (for a little while) and LOVES his brother! He watches Clark and giggles...very cute.
On to Clark. He continues to amaze me everyday with his love for his brother and his intellect. But on an update side, he is still not potty trained yet, but he did have a first today. When he woke up he asked to go potty and then actually went! The first successful trip to the potty in a long time and definitely the first time he has requested and then actually went. WAY TO GO BUDDY!!!!
Lastly on to me. I have finished my requal out a work. I huge weight off of my shoulders to be back out from under the shadow of gradesheets. On a personal note, I have picked up a new hobby. Last weekend I completed my first Spring Triathlon! It was so much fun. I managed to make all the goals I set for myself and had enough fun to continue doing them so I am super excited! I have about one per month planned through the summer with my first open water swim next month...I'm a little nervous. Last year the water temp was 60 degrees on race day! And lastly, I flew down to Dallas yesterday to pick up Katie's car. The car was unharmed (minus the scuffed bumper from when Katie met that wall ;) and the trip was uneventful. It took me just over 11 1/2 hours...not bad.
I love and miss you, beautiful...
Well that's about it from SoDak for now. Love to all...
Just a few updates:
Clark continues to amaze me every day with what he comes up with and his intellect. Not only is he the cutest kid ever (and Quinn of course :) But the love and tenderness he show's to his little brother is inspiring!
Quinn is chugging right along. He now has two teeth...bottom front two and continues to drool constantly. He is definitely beating his big brother in the toof arena. He continues to be up 2-4 times a night, which makes sleep a luxury for dad - small price to pay for a healthy/happy little boy.
The big news is our stuff arrived on Thursday!!!! I was lucky enough to get the weekend off (Guard Weekend) to unpack. With the help of family, I now sit at about the 98% solution. Still no pictures on the walls, and probably won't be for awhile, but everything is pretty much in its place. Only had one broken wine glass...very happy all the important stuff made it without problems.
Well that about does it for now. Hope everyone is enjoying spring...Clark is outside from sun up to sun down. Sound familiar?.... ;)
HAPPY 5 MONTH BIRTHDAY PEANUT!!!!
Proud fatherly moment: Clark got on his car tonight and started to ride away and when I asked him where he was going, he replied "I'm going to work." "Where do you work, Clark?" "I fly jets dad!" How cool is that???
Quinn's First Hack at Rice Cereal!
Clark on Lucky...finally! I'll try to catch a more energetic ride!
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