Happy Father's Day Duke!

Duke is not a very material man. He just doesn't care for "things", which is great, except I never know what to get him for gifts!! He asked for something sentimental so I threw this video together with Lucy's help. I got to watch him watch the video and it was just the best. He loves his kids so much. These little kids don't know how lucky they are to have him as their daddy. His goal in life is to retire early so he can spend more time with his family. And that goal impacts all his decisions everyday. He is an example to me of putting the most important things in life first. Thanks for all you do and we miss you so much "daddy duke" (as lucy calls him lol).

Duke has a birthday!

Duke turned 33 a couple weeks ago! (Those candles almost look like they say 55. Not quiiiiite there yet). We celebrated on the weekend by having a bbq and cake with some friends. He requested a homemade chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting and it was goooooooood. 

I never mush about this guy, so let me take the opportunity to tell you how lucky I am. Duke is such a good guy and an amazing husband. Our marriage isn't perfect, but when I imagined being married this is what I hoped for. He makes me laugh every single day. We have dumb little inside jokes that still crack me up. He knows me so well and we just 'get' each other. He knows my love language is words of affirmation and he tells me things he likes about me every single day just to see me smile. I know that he loves me with his whole heart. He puts me above everything else in his life and treats me like a queen. You better not mess with me or you gotta mess with him ;). I'm so happy he was born and that he chose me to share his life with. And look at that cute baby we made! Cheers to 33 more years!

The time Duke thought he was a celebrity

picture via III MEF Facebook page

Back in July Duke flew up to Sapporo, Japan for an air show. Well, turns out those Northern Japanese folk just love the Osprey. I believe it was the first time they had really seen it, so perhaps that is what stoked the fire, but I was cracking up as Duke was sending me these pictures and telling me about his experience up there. Too good. I had to record it on here so we can look back later and chuckle.

When they first arrived they talked to some of the Japanese military pilots. This guy kept telling Duke how cool he was apparently and asked if they could be Facebook friends. 

 Duke said everyone was just throwing babies at him and snapping pictures. My favorite story though is one lady told him in her broken English that she watched the osprey's from a hill as they landed the night before and was brought to tears. TEARS!!!

 Signing schwag. Who is this guy? Apparently they also sold out of every pen, sticker, T-shirt--every single piece of gear for sale they had brought. I'm telling you--these people love the Osprey. Also hilarious, because down here in Okinawa there are protestors about the Osprey specifically every day.

Photo via III MEF Facebook Page

Gotta love those Japanese folks!

my everything

picture from Feb 2012

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Aye Aye Captain

My cute little hard-working husband had his promotion ceremony on Friday. He was officially promoted to Captain. It was fun for me since it was the first time I got to attend and pin on his new bars. I'm so proud of him and grateful for all his hard work and long hours spent away from home. He's the best.

Duke and his Commanding Officer

Myrtle Beach for our Anniversary!

We went ahead and celebrated our anniversary over the weekend. We went down to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, which was double exciting because I got to check South Carolina off my states list! I love having an anniversary, because really it's just another reason to have fun and celebrate, and who hates that?!

Also, I would like to brag about my bargain hunting skills for getting hotels. I'm kind of the best at it. I may not be good at singing, or sports, or those other normal talents, but gosh darn it- I can find a deal! Just ask my family. 

Got fancied up for a fancy dinner. (You have to document those times you actually are not wearing pants! and a necklace!-thats a rarity around here)

 And more beaching!

 handsome

This couple was sitting in front of us, and I couldn't help but think-I hope that's us in 40 years! 

Duke Gets Wings

So a lot has happened this month, but the biggest was Duke getting his wings!! I'm so proud of him for making it to this point. I can attest that it has not been easy! Many many many nights and days of studying and sticking to it! And mainly I'm just proud of him for accomplishing what he really wanted to do/be- a pilot. So congratulations to him! And now he can finally take me up!

Most of his family was able to come out for the winging ceremony. It was Friday April 26.  It was an all day event, starting with a breakfast for his class. There he got his soft-patch wings (the ones he wears on his flight suit) and we got to check out the hanger where some planes were and what not. Then we got to take turns flying the simulator. I think out of the three planes i've tried on the simulator this was my most successful go. (i didn't crash!) That afternoon was the ceremony. It was nice and even the spouses got awards!! For being supportive and neglected. I thought it was nice of the military to recognize us little spousies. We ended the night with some dinner and an after party (that we were at for maybe 30 minutes) Below are some pictures from the ceremony.

simulator!

pinning on his wings!

his mom and dad helped too!

Dukes family minus Suzy

happy.

So from here he still has to learn to fly the actual osprey. He left today for North Carolina and will be there for 4 months training. I'm staying here for the rest of May for my job. (staying until the recital!) Then I am heading to Arkansas where I have to drop off Winston (Yes, I'm already crying). He can't come to North Carolina, bc Duke is there on a temporary assignment and so technically Winston and I aren't on his orders and they have him staying on a hotel on base that does not allow pets. Luckily my parents were gracious enough to babysit Winston for a few months so I can stay with Duke.

Yay for Duke!!

Duke & Winston

What if I told you this blog post wasn't about the Duke & Winston I live with, but instead a clothing company called Duke & Winston? I discovered this company yesterday and was cracking up. So besides the obvious reason that my husband is named Duke and my bulldog, Winston; there emblem/mascot is an english bulldog. And they sell clothing and pet stuff. Hilarious. I also want this shirt.

Also Winston and I had a photo shoot today. You can see how happy he was about it.