Alaska Or Bust: The Journey

Day 1: FLW to Omaha, NE
Today we commenced our exciting adventure to Alaska. We got a later start then desired, 10:40am to be exact. Two days ago I [Justin] became very sick and had a fever of 103 degrees. We though I was better, but I woke up today puking my guts out. Beth threatened me with death if I did not go to the hospital. So after the doc gave me some meds we hit the road. Joelle did well today. We had to stop twice to feed and change her. We only experienced a little rain along the way. Tomorrow it's off to Rapid City, SD.

Alaska or bust!

Just a quick note to let all of you know that we are officially starting our moving process to Alaska! My blog will be on hiatus for awhile as we are traveling. Here are some ways you can keep in touch with us through prayer:

1. Pray that Joelle travels well in her carseat for 8+ hours each day.
2. Pray for our dogs health and safety along the way.
3. Pray that our cars are protected and we won't run into any car problems.
4. Pray that the other drivers around us are safe drivers.
5. Pray that Justin and I can continue to stay calm during our move and enjoy the process.
6. Pray that we will be able to found a house quickly once we get to Alaska that will meet all of our needs.
7. Pray that our household goods will be handled with respect and show up in Alaska undamaged.
8. Pray for Justin's upcoming job, his boss, co-workers, and his ability to share his faith with them.
9. Pray we will find a great church where we can serve the body and also has a great nursery for Joelle.
10. Pray for our new neighbors.

Thank you so much for your prayers! As soon as I get a chance I will update the blog with our adventures!

something new

Happy Father's Day! Today we gave Joelle rice cereal for the first time. She is just about 5 1/2 months old. It seemed to go ok, we probably got around 10 spoonfuls of cereal in her mouth. She didn't act like she didn't like it, she just accepted it as something new. This will be our new morning routine for the next week. Oh, and if you're wondering about the Bumbo seat on the table, that's because we're moving in 1 week and it didn't seem worth the trouble to pull out a brand new highchair for 1 weeks worth of use. And no, I don't leave Joelle unattended in her Bumbo seat :-)

Congratulations to the Graduate!

On June 12, 2008 Captain Justin Pritchard graduated from the Engineer Captain's Career Course. He graduated as a Distiguished Graduate. Good job! A lot of time and hard work went into this school, now he is technically capable to command a company of soldiers. We are so proud of him!

Here, Justin is getting his diploma from General Martin, the school Commandant (sorry the picture isn't very good....I was holding a very fussy Joelle in one arm and taking pictures with the other).

Their guest speaker was Colonel Meyer. At one point he asked the graduates if they would like the $20 bill he was holding. He asked those who wanted it to stand up. Only 10 or so people stood up out of 55! Justin was one of them. The COL then "destroyed" the bill by crumpling it in his hand and stepping on it. But it was still intact. He then threw it into the audience for one of the 10 to catch...and Justin caught it! So we went out to lunch on the COL! Here's a picture of Justin catching the $20 bill.

And finally, Justin's class was divided into different groups throughout the course. These were the groups they conducted missions and projects with. He was a part of Delta group. It was a great group of people that loved working with each other, hanging out together, going fishing/canoeing and pig roasting together...they were all around great people. Here is one of their group pictures.

CONGRATULATIONS JUSTIN!! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!

new mobility

Joelle has now learned how to roll over! We have been waiting awhile for this. Within the past month she would get absolutely upset and frustrated with being on her stomach and so I was hoping rolling over would be achieved soon. Last saturday, June 7, I was watching her on the playmat and it looked like she just might make it happen. I called Justin to come and watch and within the minute she rolled over! We were so excited and cheered her on, but she looked very confused as to why we were so happy. Crawling could be just around the corner...but I hope not! I like her staying stationary.

who IS that??

Discovering her new friend in the mirror

fashionista

Joelle's beautiful boutique style dress. We love it! Thank you Oma!

The new Captain Pritchard. Engineers All The Way! Airborne!!

tornadoes and flash flooding

Last friday we had the joy of experiencing yet another tornado warning. This is at least the 4th time the sirens have gone off since we've lived here (going on 7 months). But this time seemed a little bit scarier.

While watching TV the sirens starting sounding so I flipped through the channels to find the news to see what was going on. Of course, since we live in a tiny part of Missouri there wasn't any good coverage of the weather surrounding me. I finally landed on a station that showed a tiny map of the counties in the bottom left corner of the screen. Our county was in the hottest pink color...the only color I had yet to see it in...TORNADO WARNING! We've had plenty of tornado watches, but no warnings. Then the TV screen went black and a warning came through the TV saying "A TORNADO IS THREATENING FORT LEONARD WOOD! TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY!" So naturally I ran to the window to get a good look! I know, stupid, but I had never seen a tornado. But as the sirens kept squealing I decided to round up the dogs, Joelle, my shoes, purse, and first aid kit and sat in the hallway for about 5 minutes. Justin did manage to call from the school house to let me know they were in a "safe room" and wanted to be sure I knew what was going on. Soon after we talked the "all clear" sounded (which really is a ridiculous song that sounds like the ice cream truck is coming through) and I knew the thrill was over. I went back to cleaning up the kitchen and then a DOWNPOUR of rain came through. AHHHH....now we were under FLASH FLOODING. Within minutes our street was flooded by at least 4 inches of rain. AMAZING!

Who does Joelle look like most? Justin or Beth?