Thanks everyone!

We made it back to Boston in one piece. (barely) We had a great time in WA.  We loved seeing Ric off on his mission, spending time with Cody and Randi (and getting babysitting from them) playing tennis with Lani, even if the tips were a little late.  Riding Dad's bike, being with Mom and riding horses at Khea's.  We hope the girls have fun at girls camp, Dad finds the week alone relaxing, Cody is saving for Boston, Mom surviving her umpteenth girls camp and Khea get back to Georgia safely.  Everyone should plan to come to see us now and coordinate so we have visitors and something to look forward to every month.  Thanks for everything, love and miss you all!

Thank You

I wanted to say thank you to everyone for the most excellent gifts I received for my momentous birthday. Each and every one of them have made this old heart beat faster with excitement. First, to Joni for allowing me to have a dream come true. To Alex and Janae, I loved each and every wave I was able to ride. To Justin and Khea, food is definitely one of the highlights of my live at this stage in it. To Cody, thanks for wonderful memories given with our recent camping trips. To Ric, Lani, and Randi, thank you for your special thoughts.





Now if I can only make it to 100 yrs., what a fantastic time that will be! Always remember and never forget, Dad loves you!

ELDER RIC SHERMAN

On Monday after arriving in SLC, we went shopping to pick up Ric another suit, shoes, and misc. Utah is definitely the place to buy missionary stuff. We were welcomed warmly as always at the Perkins. It's been fun sitting up talking and reminiscing with them.
Tuesday, Ric & I picked up the Tracy's at the airport and then attended a session at the Salt Lake temple. It was amazing to be there with Ric. Cody in the mean time toured Gateway mall and later met up with us at Temple Square.
Wednesday, we timed it perfectly to stop at the Missionary mall to pick up an umbrella and raincover, hit Ric's last Taco Bell meal and make it on time to the MTC. While driving the last few streets to the MTC, Ric yells out, (in his best Tongan accent) "Hooray for Israel"! There were 400 missionaries being checked in that day. We were seated in the front row while the MTC Pres., his wife, one of the counselors and his wife briefly spoke. They showed "Called to Serve" and then we were told the analogy of taking a bandaid off to saying goodbye- do it quickly so it doesn't hurt as much. Ric was very anxious to get on with it and officially start his mission. It was a great day.
Cody & I fly out in a couple hours. It was so nice having Cody with me and for him to spend one on one time with Ric.

Home for a couple of days

Justin came home for a couple of days this weekend i dropped him off at the actual Ranger school this morning around 3 am. For the last two weeks he has had the pre ranger school that basically prepares you for ranger school.
When he came home i told him we could go anywhere he wanted to eat. And he told me he wanted one of the hot dogs they sell at costco. I thought he was kidding but no that is REALLY what he wanted. We went to costco and while we were standing there ordering Justin was completely unaware that is was rubbing his belly because he was so hungry. haha. The lady at the counter asked if he would like a few of those because he looked really hungry!
He was so tired on the way home from costco he feel asleep within 30 seconds of heading back to the house. when he slept the rest of the whole entire day got up for dinner and went back to sleep.
It was kind of funny to me that justin had poison ivy because when he works as a medic at the Ranger school he is always talking about "those idiots" that can't stay out of the poison ivy. He said by the time they let you go to sleep you don't care where you lay.
He was super pumped for Ranger school! I asked if he regretted it at all and he said no because you forget all the bad stuff and just remember all the cool stuff. They got to plan out missions and do land navigations which is right up justin's alley. If not for him some of the guys would not have passed the land navigation part. In this next course in a few weeks when he is on his way to florida he will he to board the plane and jump off when they get to florida. He did really well and passed with flying colors. They have peer evaluation at the end and its kind of like survivor they can vote you out if they don't think he did well. Justin scored very well with that and all of his other events. He should so great in ranger school!
At this point and time Justin's Ranger graduation will be july 25th. Unless he fails a part of the course and is held back. Which shouldn't happen because Justin is in great shape. I should know by the beginning of July for sure when he will graduate maybe even late June. I will post more when i know more!

Good Luck in Ranger School

Justin, we're behind you all the way! Just remember when you are covered in mud with sleep deprivation, on the brink of starvation, and everyone around you is whining and complaining, that your family is cheering you on . I'm so proud of you and your quest to serve our country.

GO RANGERS!!!
https://www.infantry.army.mil/rtb/

I love you son,
Mom

P.S. Remember I want a Ranger T-shirt!

Taking a Walk

This weekend Khea and I strolled around the historic downtown Columbus and snapped some pictures. The weather has been great, and everything is green again. We have been trying to enjoy the last week we have together before the 10 weeks of separation with me starting Ranger School next weekend. If all goes well I should be graduating July 25th.
More details about the school can be found at

https://www.infantry.army.mil/rtb/rtbmain.asp

by clicking on the hyper links on the left labeled Benning Phase, Mountains Phase, and Florida Phase.

1 more week

In a week from today I'll be on a plane headed to Sunny California!  I am sooo excited to play with my brothers and sisters.  

I cant wait to leave this all behind for a week!