Downing Update

I'm happy to report that we are all doing well. Chaz is in Kuwait with the MEU and has been for a little while now. In case you haven't heard from him, he's had limited access to a computer and email. He said he's been flying a lot and is working on becoming a division leader. The temperature is cold and has taken some getting used to, but he's been eating really well and has even been excited about the food there. I asked a friend who just returned from a 7 month deployment in Kuwait, if the food is really that good or if Chaz has just been eating that bad?! He agreed that the food is pretty good... who knew?!?! We've been waiting for orders and to find out what job Chaz will do when he returns from the deployment. The helicopter he flies (CH-46) is being 'retired' and the osprey is taking it's place. Chaz is not transitioning over to the osprey and instead applied for a 'marine officer instructor' position. We found out yesterday that he was one of 21 marines selected from 70 applicants for the MOI position and that we're being sent to Texas A & M! Texas wasn't our first, second or even eleventh choice, but we've been hearing great things about both the school and the city that it's in. One of the highlights, besides the fact that Chaz won't be deploying for 3 years, is that our friends Christa and Marc, and Pam and Ryan, don't live more than an hour or two away! *********************** As for the kids, dogs and I, we're still having a great time with my family in Ohio. Chaz's dad and his wife are in town and will get to meet Ava for the first time this week. Andrew's in his last session of Fe Fi Fo Fun (the pre preschool program) and gym and swim at the YMCA. Not to mention we have lots of fun things to look forward to in the month of February (Joey turns 18, Elmo Live! is coming to town, Paula and Mario's baby shower, to name a few) but I'll find out this week if we'll be able to stay for them all. I miss my girlfriends in North Carolina and look forward to spending time with them before the guys return. Andrew also misses his friends and asks often about his buddies, River and Tommy. I've started making a to do list and it's pretty overwhelming. ******************* So if you know of anyone who would like to buy a great house just outside Wilmington, please send them my way! We anticipate moving in June or July and as always, welcome our friends and family to come visit us! Thanks to you all for your support, prayers (we can ALWAYS use those) and for keeping up with us on this great journey! ********************