Catching up!

Sorry for the lull in posts! The past few weeks have been super busy for both of us as we prepare to leave California to head to Kansas. On Friday April 3, the Officers of 1/11 gathered for a "Hail and Farewell" (for our civilian friends, this is a social gather where a unit welcomes new Marines and says farewell to Marines leaving the unit). Since Bryant will be leaving soon, they took the time to "farewell" him and presented him with a plaque. Then I was surprised with a gift too! The batteries each had submitted a gift (like photographs, a sweatshirt, a unit coin, etc) and they were placed into a "primer box" that had been refinished. On top of the box is a cannon, the battalion coin and a plaque with some very kind words. I was truly overwhelmed! It was a very touching act and a gift that means more to me than they will ever know.

Bryant headed out to the "field" at Camp Pendleton with the battalion one last time on April 6 for a few days. I headed to South Carolina on April 7! Bryant joined me on April 15th. We've enjoyed spending time with Marcus -- building bonds and getting to know him better! We met with his Adoption Case Worker and were formally presented his "background". We still have some waiting as a final court hearing is scheduled for April 27th and then we have to get Kansas to approve us! Then Kansas and SC have some procedures to work through. We are hopeful that the road ahead will be smooth and we can bring Marcus home with us very soon!

On April 18th we enjoyed a fun filled day celebrating the marriage of Bryant's sister Tracey to Mr. Randall Soper. We spent the weekend in Columbia and had an amazing time with family and friends. The wedding was beautiful!! We are so happy for the newlyweds and glad to "officially" welcome Randy to the family.

We have a couple of days left in the Carolinas to spend with Marcus and family in Clinton and in Fort Mill. Then we head back to CA on the 22nd. Just in time to start getting ready for the movers to arrive on April 27th! Stay tuned for updates as we make our separate treks across the country and get settled in our new home!