When duty calls

We received news this week that Ryan has been tasked for a year long deployment to Qatar. The deployment will begin in early June. It's nice to have some time to 'prepare' for it. And yes, he volunteered for it. It was not completely out of noble reasons that he volunteered. He was/is due for a short tour and after discussing this opportunity we decided it was best for our family. And to us it is an opportunity. Ryan will be the deputy commander of the civil engineer squadron at one of the busiest bases in the Middle East. It will be quite the experience for him!

Ollie, Piccadilly and I plan to stay in the DC area with the freedom to roam as we feel the need to. Ryan has already started talking about getting a minivan sooner than what we were originally planning. But I have to admit (as painful as it is for me) the thought of having doors that magically open while I'm juggling a dog and a baby plus whatever road stop snack I picked up for myself is amazing. We will see if we follow through on that 'prep.'

We will keep everyone posted as we get ready for this change. We feel very lucky to have such an amazing support system of friends and family. That is a huge factor in making both Ryan and me feel confident and comfortable that, like so many other military family's before us, we will make it through this challenge stronger as a family.

2 main reasons for minivan talk!
Is this picture not just gorgeous!?