Kristen's Sandbox Party

I could have started writing about the deployment in March 2008 when I found out I was going, however, I was too busy having fun with family and friends to start my blog site. Over the course of the summer and fall, I spent 4 weeks at Camp Ripley firing my M4, low crawling in the dirt, attempting to throw the dummy hand grenades (Mom, you should have let me play softball instead of golf as a kid!), and a lot of other military tasks to prepare me for the mission. I will say the train-up was some of the best military training I have had in my 18 year career especially the Combat Lifesaver Course.

On to the party- Brian and Lyndsey hosted a going-away party for me at Cooper's on Hwy 3. Thanks to everyone who stopped by. A very special surprise was my brother, Hunter, making an appearance from Arizona. Farmer Tom- can't thank you enough for flying my bro home. It was really incredible and overwhelming the support that was shown. I wish I could have spent more time with each and everyone one of you. Thanks to Tamara for insisting that Brian sing "Dust in the Wind". I honestly never thought we would hear that again in our lifetime. I also found out that my career as a Soldier started when I was just a baby when Dad told the story about the toy soldier curtains. Thanks Hubby and Lynner for the great night!


Mom and Darren (our Canadian friend and recent US citizen)


Dancing with the ladies.


Singing a song for the family.


Friends from work.


Hanging with my bro.


Complimentary cake from Byerly's in Eagan.