GWU Graduation

Many friends and family already know that I completed my Master's Degree in Paralegal Studies back in December. After some encouragement from Jared, I took the opportunity to go home and participate in commencement exercises on May 15th and 16th, and visit with family and friends in the Northern Virginia area. Michelle Obama was the key note speaker for GWU's graduation on the National Mall.
Several of my colleagues and I were inducted into Lambda Epsilon Chi, the National Paralegal Honor Society, for graduating in the top 10% of our class and with a 3.9 0r higher (I had a 4.0!). The hard work paid off--I was provided a special honor chord to wear during graduation, and a framed accomplishment certificate along with a lapel pin. :)

It was nice to put faces with names and meet several of my online classmates in person, including my girlfriend Lina, who was kind enough to let me borrow two extra graduation tickets for my rather large immediate family. It turns out that she lives in Virginia Beach, and her daughter goes to high school with my sister, at my old alma mater, Princess Anne. Small world.

During my trip to VA, I was also able to meet my new nephew, Micah Conner Bussey, for the first time. He is a cutie! Poor baby has a hernia and is scheduled for surgery on June 7th; I am sure it will make him feel better, and help him to be less fussy for my sister. He sure does look like a "Bussey" here.

It feels great to be DONE with school...at least for a little while!

Arizona, the Grand Canyon State

Jared's mom Judy joined us in Arizona last week. During her 10-day visit, we traveled up to the Grand Canyon. It was a 6(ish) hour drive from our home in Sierra Vista, but well worth the trip! The views were spectacular.

Ramsey Vista Campground

Jared treated me to a camping trip this last weekend (I think he was feeling guilty since he knew he was leaving for three weeks of TDY in Norfolk, so he caved in to my request!).

We drove up Carr Canyon and hunkered down at the Ramsey Vista Campground. On the drive up, we could see rain clouds in the distance, but we were spared during our entire overnight visit, despite camping during the middle of "monsoon" season.

The roads were really rocky and bumpy...we were so glad we paid to have the wagon aligned LAST weekend...ha. We'lll take the F-150 up next time.



We both pitched in:

I did the loading, and unloading,

Jared set up the tent,

I started/stoked the fire,

Jared gathered firewood,

And we both enjoyed some beans, weanies and S'MORES thanks to our fire. It was somewhat therapeautic to stare into the flames while eating chocolate!!

In the morning we hiked.

Overall, I rate the trip a 9 outta 10; I only say that because I had a rough night sleep due to other (loud) campers and traffic... However, it was well worth the $10.00 we paid for one overnight. Don't forget to haul your own water up and to bring cash or check to self-pay!

If you need want more information about this campground, read HERE.

Visitors

This is belated, but James and his girlfriend Bekah came out to visit us in March.



They made the most of their trip and hiked many of the local canyons, went stargazing, and visited the U of AZ campus in Tucson, since James is considering moving out west to finish up school in Physics and Astronomy.

Jared hadn't seen James since we moved to Japan and back, and we had both never met Bekah. It was wonderful to meet and catch up!

Jared's Promotion

Jared was promoted this month to Captain in the USMC.

The promotion ceremony was held yesterday.

Jared and Major Craig

MSgt Gillian announcing the warrant

(Dad Bussey--see the "Spirit Orb"?)

Jared reciting the Officer's Oath

Pinning on Jared's bling

Congrats Captain Blake!

Kate's Hair

My little sister Kate had her hair chopped off last week while visiting in AZ. She plans on giving it to Locks of Love. She looks super cute! Before:

After:

However, over the last few days, she has been complaining that she misses her long hair. It made me think of Little Women when Jo has to sell her hair and is lamenting its loss after it is too late. Jo's sister Amy says "Oh, Jo--your one beauty!"

Even if Kate's hair did NOT look good, she thankfully has many beautiful features to be grateful for. :o)

Love ya K8!

Holiday Traditions

Jared's mom always purchases a new ornament each year for us to place on our Christmas tree. She writes each person's initials (and the year) on the ornament so we don't forget when we received it. I think it's a great tradition and I am glad she passed this tradition on to us. Jared has some of the sweetest little ornaments from his childhood. When he puts them up, I think it causes him to reflect upon the fact that he is getting old!

This year we were all able to help decorate Jennifer's Christmas tree on Thanksgiving. Kayleigh was a great helper!

Welcome to the world, Allyson!

Allyson Blake McCrary

November 24th, 2008

9:40 a.m.

7 lbs 4 oz

20 inches long

Proud Uncle Jared and Aunt Adri

Thanksgiving

We bumped Thanksgiving up by 4 days this year (to Sunday). Jared's sister Jennifer had a scheduled C-section on the 24th of November and we didn't think she, baby and Granny would be home in time to feast with us on Thursday if we waited. Moving up the day took so much of the last minute stress out of the holiday! And, since left-overs are the best part, we were actually able to eat them on Thanksgiving Day!

The Turkey

Jen's Greenbean Casserole

Judy's Homemade Yams

Adri's Brownie Cheesecake Pie

Yep, she's definitely Jared's neice: "Kayleigh the Carnivore"!
Jared and Jennifer breaking the wishbone...hope your wish comes true, Jared!