Together at last!

No...I'm NOT going to let go...

Thank you all so much for all the cards, care packages, and prayers over the last 14.5 months. Though I didn't always manage to answer, everything I received from a friend (or someone I didn't know so well!) was very encouraging. And needed. Nathan says the exact same thing. I don't think he ever had time to answer (according to his friends he "never stopped working," day or night, except when they occasionally managed to distract him for a little Lego Star Wars video gaming). But he was always very encouraged by everything you sent, from a simple email to the "best care package ever"--Seth won that prize. And thank you SO much for your prayers. It's by God's grace that we're OK, and by His strength that we're both pretty sane. Nathan is still an emotional rock (that's a good thing), and he was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious service for working his butt off as Executive Officer with Attack Company. Tomorrow he should get pinned with captains' rank (technically he's been a captain for a month now but hasn't had the ceremony yet).
Now we're turning European and taking off for about 6 weeks. If you're overcome with jealousy, you can think of it as a 6-week marriage retreat. Also, it's right at the heart of European vacation month, so we could end up driving only between midnight and 6 am to avoid traffic, then not being able to find restaurants that are open. ;-) We're driving up to Landstuhl, Germany, for an medical appointment for me, and then straight on through France, Spain, and maybe a little Portugal. Around late August we'll be coming back to hike Cinque Terre, then heading right back up to Landstuhl for Nathan to finally get laser surgery on his eyes! We'll be posting on here when we can find internet cafes to keep you all updated on "Where In the World is the Teal Terror". (Pictured below)


You will also be able to contact us via our cell phones...if you really must. We do miss you all and can't wait to come visit.