Update

Dean and I went and visited Matt in Arizona for Thanksgiving!!  I was able to take off a full week which was really nice!!   The travel was long and uncomfortable but it was worth it.  I flew in the Friday before Thanksgiving and Matt came straight from class to pick me up.  I dont normally have specific cravings but for some reason I had one for a chocolate milkshake, so we ventured off in search for a McDonalds (yes, THAT specific of a craving).
The next day, Saturday, we went over to Shane's house (one of Matts classmates) for a Thanksgiving meal with Matts entire class and their families.  Once we finished eating- the active guys rolled dice for their assignment locations.  There were four guys (Shane, Clay, Mike, and Pat) and Four locations (Germany, Korea, Georgia, and Arizona).  Here are some pictures of the guys rolling their dice and a group toast with the rest of the class (who are guard or reservist).

Pat got Germany, Mike- Georgia, Shane-Arizona, and Clay-Korea

Sunday, we went to the movies and then stopped by the BX to get Matt's early x-mas/bday present that he wanted.  Monday and Tuesday- Matt had class and flights so I went xmas shopping for our families and walked around a lot trying to get some exercises and calm Baby Dean down (he is very active)!  Wednesday Morning I met Shane at the squadron and he took me out to see Matt "step" or "crawl".  AKA- I got to watch Matt go to his plan, do his pre-flight inspections, and taxi off!!  Here are some pictures of Matt in action!

Matt inspecting the jet

 Matt climbing in

 Matt getting Strapped in (the crew chief helps them)

 Matt getting the jet started up

 Taxing off

I didnt actually get to see him take off for several reasons but one of them being: It would have been a while before he actually took off.  If you look back at the first pic of Matt checking out the jet- you will notice several little tags hanging down.  This is because Matt was heading to the range to practice shooting the gun and dropping bombs.  Those tags are left on until they are on the runway for take-off and then someone goes out there to release them.
**in case you wanted to know- he did very well on this ride especially at the range:)

Thursday- For our thanksgiving meal, Matt and I went to Cracker Barrel for a good home cooked meal;)
Matt lives in a studio apartment with just enough things to make it through this last bit of training so we didnt really have the space or equipment to cook.  But I must tell you- Cracker Barrel is the closest thing to a southern thanksgiving meal!  It was delicious and PACKED with people.  Matt and I also upgraded our phones so we tried out Facetime with Mackenzie!  Here she is waving at Matt:)

Black Friday- this is our second year to participate in the Black friday shopping!  And when I say participate... I mean we show up late morning when the crowd has died down and the sales are about to end!  So far I have no reason to go any earlier because we always come out with some good stuff and good deals!!  Im not sure if I will ever have it in me to actually pull an all-nighter and stand in lines for hours and hours.  For those of you who do- Im truly amazed~

Here is a picture of Dean and me next to a giant cactus (one of many) on base!

I flew back the next morning and was SOOO thankful to be home after experiencing holiday travel in the airports!!!  Cheeto was busy telling me everything I missed before I even got through the door!  :)

Last weekend I had two special visitors! Heather and Russ (and their dog Shooter) drove down from Enid to spend the weekend with me!  We visited, ate, shopped, and I had Russ do some things around the house for me which was great!  It happened to be Family Weekend at the 188th fighter wing (Matt and Russ's Unit here in Fort Smith)- so Saturday we went by and got to talk with some of the pilots and messed around in the sim.  I was very sad to see them go but they will be back over in a few weeks!

Here is Heather and Me with our bumps!

Heather is having a girl (Hadley Renae) in mid April! I have a feeling her and Dean will become good friends:)  

One of the chores I put Russ in charge of before they left was starting my first fire!  Cheeto had no idea what to think about it.  He was very curious but also very unsure as to how close he wanted to get.  First he sat at a good distance for a very long time.

Then he finally decided to get a little closer.  After a few sniffs- he ran off.

Well thats about all I have!  This weekend My sisters and mom are coming in to town to help me move stuff around in the nursery and make a few crafty things!!  Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!~