Congrats to Cole!

So, the other day Chase and I got some news about Cole and thought that this was pretty amazing and wanted to share this with everyone. This is just a highlight as to why we are all so proud of our little brother!

The e-mail says:

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF

BRONZE STAR MEDAL

TO

SPC JOSEPH C. WILLIAMSON

SPC JOSEPH C. WILLIAMSON, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as the Command Group Information Management Officer and the Radio Telephone Operator to the Deputy Commanding General (Maneuver), TF Defender, Combined/Joint Task Force-1, Regional Command-East, Afghanistan, from 3APR12 to (ending date) during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.

SPC JOSEPH C. WILLIAMSON demonstrated outstanding professional skill, knowledge, and leadership in managing and coordinating for the specific technical needs of the CJTF-1 Command Group and staff, as well as the dedication and focus required ensure the consistent communication of the Deputy Commanding General (Maneuver) across the entire area of operations.

Due to his diligence, CJTF-1 was about to operate, and communicate with higher headquarters and subordinate units on a daily basis. SPC Williamson was responsible for coordinating, deconflicting and establishing functional communications for over 500 video teleconferences originating or participated in by the command team and staff from CJTF-1. He was also the primary Soldier responsible for troubleshooting and correcting deficiencies of all CJTF-1 Command Group equipment, working in a position three levels above his rank. With SPC Williamson as a member of his staff, BG(P) Funk was able to successfully conduct over 150 battlefield circulations to over 50 Forward Operating Bases, Combat Outposts and Observation Points across 13 provinces in eastern Afghanistan within Regional Command-East. SPC Williamson personally enabled and operated successful communication methods in order to enable the coordination of operations and intelligence across the area of operations.

SPC Williamson's work ethic, loyalty and professional attitude promoted the image of the DCG-M and was directly responsible for the efficiency and accuracy of the office, and for the success of the mission.

His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military services and reflect distinct credit himself, the Command, and the United States Army.

__________________________________________________________________________________

He puts his heart and soul into everything that is important...from being an unbelievable father to his services overseas. So let him be in your prayers. We can't wait to see him when he comes home on leave in a few months.



Murphey's Wedding

So, last weekend Chase and I took a little trip to Grenada, Mississippi for our friend, Micheal Murphey's wedding. On Friday night we flew into Jackson and drove about an hour and half to Grenada in our rented 2013 Mustang. We got up early on Saturday morning and made the hour drive north to Oxford to visit Ole Miss. Sarah and Cameron joined us. We ate at Ajack's, which was the first place I ate as an Ole Miss Rebel. We walked around campus and I got the chance to show Chase my old dorm, the Grove, etc.

On Saturday night Blake, Malori, Sarah, Cameron, myself, and Chase attended Murphey's wedding at an old plantation home. Murphey and Ashleigh looked perfect and looked so happy to be together.

On Sunday we got up and made our way back to the Jackson airport... which is where Chase got a speeding ticket from one of Mississippi's finest.

Side note: As of right now, I am 31 weeks along. Only 9 more to go! She is a very active baby and moves all throughout the day. I am just now starting to feel the effects of having a 3.5 pound human rolling around in my belly. It is humorous to watch me get out of bed! Thank goodness I have the love of my husband.

Updates

There has been a lot going on in the past few weeks.

Emmy turned one on June 28! It seems like just yesterday...

Chase and I also had another doctors appointment last Wednesday and everything is going along just fine. M's crib was finally delivered over the weekend. It is perfect. Chase and I spent a little time putting on the bedding and getting it all ready for her for when she comes home.

Tonight we are off to the first out a series of birthing classes at the hospital. We don't really know what to expect but it will be interesting.

Our Babymoon!

In the early morning hours of Saturday, June 16th, Chase and I caught a flight to Portland, Maine for our Babymoon. We arrived in Portland around noon where we picked up our rental car (a silver convertible camaro) and drove to Camden...about an hour north. We stayed at The Lord Camden Inn, which was a old, historic building. While we were there, we had our first taste of fresh Maine lobster and chowder. Before we left for our next destination we walked around the town, harbor and gardens.

From Camden, we drove about two and a half hours south to Kennebunkport...stopping along the way to see the sites. We stayed in a waterfront room at The Nonantum Resort for five nights. During the first few days of our stay, we explored the town and beaches, ate our hearts out, and drove to Boston to visit Harvard, eat at the wharf, and to attend a Red Sox game. During the last few days in Kennebunkport we went kayaking, did a lobster boat tour, and went sailing.

In one of our pictures there in a large house on a point surrounded by rocks and ocean. This is the Bush compound and surprisingly enough they happen to be there...along with all of their secret service. We did not see them up close but during our sailing trip Mr. Bush drove by in his boat which was being followed closely by his secret service.  

For our last night in Maine, we stayed in downtown Portland at The Portland Harbor Hotel. Before we got on our flight back to Houston we took the time walk the streets and visit the shops. The weather, food and the people were all perfect and this was definitely an unforgetable trip. Needless to say we were sad when it came time for us to leave but something tells me we will be back.