Off to war

My cousin Derek has been shipped off to war. He has been assigned to Iraq for 6 months. Prior to leaving he and his wife Miyuki came up to visit. He brought his vest that he is required to wear whenever he goes outside. It weights up to 30 lbs. My family had a good time putting it on and having Miyuki kick them.

Miyuki and my Dad

Miyuki and Matt

Derek placing the vest on Matt

Derek is holding one of the plates that is placed inside the vest.

Grandpa Hicks, my cousins Jacob and Derek

We went to Dinner with everyone and had a good time

The whole gang at dinner.

Brielle loved it until she looked until the hit the gong and flames came off the cooking area, then she freaked out. She heard a loud noise, saw something scary and felt the heat from the flames. It was all too much.

Dad just cant get enough of her! Then again none of us can.

Miyuki eating her food.

Miyuki and Brielle hanging out.

We all drove up to Tahoe and had a wonderful drive. It had snowed the night before so there was so much snow all over and on the trees but not the roads. I didn't get a picture but it was so heavenly. One of the prettiest drives I have taken up there.