Uncle Gabe and Cai

Uncle and nephew relationships are really special, so think Gabe and Cai. This has been a mutual love for each other since Gabe returned from his mission and first saw 7 month old Cai. Gabe continually asks Cai, "Who's your favorite uncle?" to which Cai always replies "Gabe!" From the smiles on both their faces, you can tell their is a mutual love affair. No doubt, theirs will be a friendship forever. From bullet bike rides to sword fights, they are inseparable, and its hard to tell which is having the most fun. This picture was taken after Cai and his soccer team, the Loopies, won their last game of the season, and of course, Uncle Gabe was there on the sidelines to cheer him on.

When Gabriel Comes Marching Home

Gabe provided a great Mother's Day present for not only Deb, but for the rest of our and Mandy's family. He arrived home from Iraq for a three week leave. Gabe is assigned to the 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum, New York. His battalion has been deployed to Northern Iraq, an hour north of Kirkut, where his platoon patrols and searches for Al Quaida insurgents with arms from Iran. Gabe was met at the airport by 19 family members who had welcome home signs, yellow balloons and american flags. While our family members were welcoming Gabe home, Jeff Hornacek, former Utah Jazz and NBA star came up to Gabe and Mandy and thanked Gabe for his military service. Gabe and Mandy will be going to San Diego for some well deserved time together during his three week leave. Gabe looks terrific, well chiseled, and well tanned. He will be returning back to northern Iraq on May 30th, where he will continue to be deployed until early December, when he will be returning back to Fort Drum. Gabe says that he will be promoted to Sargeant prior to his returning home in December. All of us, both Mandy's family and ours, are proud of Gabe!