Ballerina girl...

For days Donna was excited and talking about going to her dance class. She wanted to wear her tights around the house and seemed genuinely excited. The day of the class I woke up at 0535 to go on a 5-mile run with some friends, which was much easier than dealing with the Little Princess when she decided that she did not infact want to go to dance class, but instead wanted to stay at home. Consistent crying from the moment of getting buckled into her seat to arrival at the dance studio. Not even Hannah Montana's "Rock Star" could calm her down. Fingers had to be pryed from the minivan doors as well as the entry to the dance studio. Parents are not allowed to stay for the class, but I was that day after the teacher saw how distraught the Little Princess was. She quickly jumped into the action once she saw the other kids and participated magnificently in all of the activities. She really enjoyed the tap shoes and was proud of being in her dance class. I'm happy I was able to experience this before leaving, but on my last upcoming Saturday here in Georgia I think I may let her mother have the opportunity to take her.

Getting dunked to save their souls...

So they made it!

Donna and Gordon were baptized on August 21. Chaplain Williams officiated a Lutheran baptism at Ft. Gordon. Chaplain Williams was very informative and funny. He included Wes by asking various questions and asking Wes to hold Gordon's certificate so the urge to call him Oliver would not overtake. Wes was very proud to help out. I have to say he was very responsible during the whole thing.

The kids were great. Gordon slept through most of the service and Donna was very proud to do her job of standing, looking pretty and "getting wet on her head." Gordon did wake up just in time for his turn, but was a little disoriented and confused when he saw Major Williams coming toward him with glistening fingers. All in all, it was a good time. We've been meaning to do it, just haven't made the time. It was important both Erik and me. Wes was baptized when he was 10 months and had a bit more fanfare but I have to say this was a very nice service. I can imagine that Chaplain Williams helped many of the soldiers he has deployed with, he really was very kind.

This leaves me with a lingering thought... since they were officially cleansed, Donna and Gordon should be really good now right?

Donna's world

Erik has been in training since Thursday, which also is the last day we chatted. I imagine deployment to be this way; intuition telling me all is fine but wondering what he's doing. Today, Donna wondered, "Did my Dad run away?" She has been saying strange things like this, which I am convinced is only going to continue and get a bit more creative as we truck along through the year. I can't wait to hear what she comes up with, it adds entertainment to some stressful moments! My daughter is hilarious. I am continually finding little marks she's left in her wake. A prime example of Donna:

G'night Allen

When I discovered this I knew it was Donna, what must go through her mind? One of her other quirks is collecting. The girl loves her bags. Whether it is a purse or a duffle, a tin for magnets or a pencil case, it is filled with things. I don't mean make-up, barrettes, snacks... you know the things a true lady needs to make it through a tough day in Georgia. Nope. The remote control, a band-aid, spool of thread, a fork, business cards pinched from her Dad's stash, and of course some sort of lip stuff. I had to tell my family while we were in Michigan, check her bags before she left their house to be sure they didn't miss anything of value. Good thing people listen to me, the girl has some sticky fingers.

Perhaps it is just her magnetism. Since she was a young babe she has always attracted other little ones. It is interesting to watch since, you see, she is a girl of few words and many passions. Children her age enjoy her for her versatility. If they are in the mood for a marathon coloring session she's your gal. Every now and then one may need to have a little light saber fight. Well, she's been in training as a Padawan since she was about 10 months and at this stage of her training is quite an opponent. I guess when it comes down to it, Donna just simply attracts things. Whether it is of her own doing (the stuffed bags of things) or because she is content to just go along for the ride we will have to watch this girl. After all glaciers are quiet but a true force to be reckoned with.