check me out

Okay, so it took more than a week, but here I am posting again.
We are wrapping up our tri to MI, we leave in the morning actually, and I am ready to get back home. I am always amazed at how much more we have in the trunk when we leave MI, than what we brought. But, I guess that's what happens when the only grandchild left in the states comes to visit her grandparents. Plus, we have an extra passanger too- my 11 year old cousin. My father thought it would be nice to have him along; his older sister is vacationing with her friend and this way my dad will have company on his trip home. My cousin does really well with Ivie, so that'll help during our drive, and he is completely stoked about going to a real Army base! I will do my best to show him around, take him by motorpool and just out and about so he can see real soldiers too. he's amazed that soldiers actually walk around the base. He did sound a bit disappointed, though, when I told him they wouldn't have their guns! If I knew someone at Rear D, other than the CO and 1st Sgt, I'd try and hook them up. But, all the soldiers I know are with Mike.
I heard from Mike today. He sounded very good despite having just finished up a 27 hour mission! Of course I don't know what he did, but he's been busy, as usual. It's amazing to think that in 9 weeks or less that he'll actually be with me and Ivie. I know the time he's here will be brief and probably a little crazy, but I am so looking forward to it!
Ivie and I have really had some fun times here in MI. I will definitley miss the family, but look forward to being back in our home and preparing for little Elly's arrival.
Here's a picture of me and Ivie with her new big bouncy purple ball (which, of course, doesn't fit in the car).