For Eric's birthday, Madie created an abstract art piece. After doing so, she needed a little bath... 

Madie at work. 

Eric holding Madie's first piece of artwork that she made for his birthday. 

Sunday was Eric's 28th birthday. We had a yummy dinner and some German chocolate cake.  

FINALLY!!!

Word finally came from the FAA that I have a class date in Oklahoma City to begin my federal training as an air traffic controller. When called with the class date, I was given the choice of either Sept. 11, or a date later in Sept. Of couse, I chose the early date although that doesn't give us much time to prepare for the move. Luckily, since we chose to move to Charleston, we don't have to pack all of our furniture, etc., because we left it in storage in Pittsburgh. Since being called by the FAA just a couple of days ago, I've had to do a TON of paperwork for my security clearance, gotten a drug test, scheduled a psych test, and scheduled a physical exam. Ann, Madie, and I will be leaving on Sept. 7th to get to OK. by the 8th. I begin class on the 11th. We have already secured an apartment in OK. for our short stay there. Training should take about 2 months and upon completion we will head north to Warrenton, VA where I'll be stationed. We still need to find a place in VA, however. We may try to make a short trip there before we head to OK. so we can scout the area out. Unfortunately, after finishing training in Oklahoma City, the FAA doesn't give you more than a couple of days to report to your duty station.

Also, we will have the ability to keep the blog updated. The complex that we will be staying in (in OK.) has internet hookups that are free for all residents. In addition, we will be keeping our same cell numbers and email addys.

We are very excited and we wanted to share the news!

Trying on a winter outfit in the middle of August...Madie became a little warm and a little grumpy right after this pic was taken. 

Madie in her Dale of Norway outfit that Gigi brought back from Tromso. 

Madie found the stick notes. 

Madie has become quite a climber. She can climb up and sit in her rocker. 

Madie loves to climb into this little rocker. 

Grillin' up some burgers, clams, and corn. Yummy! 

The Harts! Jojo is in the land down under. 

Two hackers having fun on the golf course. 

Ann and Madie walked 9 holes with Lorne and I. 

A round of golf at Pine Acres. 

Madie loved Enid.  

Kara gave Madie a daisy to play with. Of course, she tried to eat it. 

Practicing some walking. 

I think she's eating a wood chip? 

Ann and Madie at Lorne and Kara's. 

Down between the rocks at Rimrock. 

Lorne and Kara at the Rimrock overlook. Below in the valley is the Kinzua Reservoir. 

Ann, Madie, and I at the overlook at Rimrock.  

Outside playtime at Beechwood. 

Madie lovin' the camera! 

On our way back from Knoxville, Ann and I turned around to find Madie in the tissue box. She thought it was neat that one came out right after another. She might have eaten some too!