Assignment News!

It's official! Aaron has been assigned to fly the F-15E Strike Eagle! His training, which should take about a year, will take place at Seymour-Johnson AFB located in Goldsboro, NC. He's very excited for the opportunity to fly a fighter, and I'm so proud of how hard he's worked to get to this point. And of course, we're thrilled that this is only 2 hours away from our families in Greensboro!

We'll keep everyone posted once we find out dates. Also, on the horizon is Survival and Resistance Training in Washington state, and a 6-week course called Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF). 2010 is looking pretty busy! Stay tuned...

Disney World 2009, by Paige Kiser

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A Very Mickey Christmas!

We had so much fun in Disney World, and finally, here are some pictures! We decided to take advantage of the great deal Disney was offering active duty military, and headed to Orlando the weekend after Thanksgiving. We spent about a week at the Disney All-Star Sports Resort, and with some speed walking and a super-cooperative baby, we had a great time conquering the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom. It was a great time to visit. The temperature was a beautiful 75 degrees, there were hardly any crowds, and the Christmas decorations were magical!

Will really was a trooper. He enjoyed the rides that didn’t require a height limit, and was content to ride and sleep in his stroller for most of the day. Aunt Kate joined us for a few days, and with three adults we were able to use a Rider Swap pass. That way, we all could enjoy the more exciting rides and only have to wait in line once (of course this meant Aaron usually got to enjoy them twice).

We took Will to meet Mickey Mouse at Hollywood Studios. He was fascinated by his nose. He reached out for it, held on, and wouldn’t let go during the whole photo op. Pretty cute!

Of course, his favorite thing during the whole trip was getting to play the drums at Animal Kingdom. I guess he’s had a lot of practice on Daddy’s drum at home.

On the last day of our visit we decided to get tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party held at the Magic Kingdom after hours. There were two special Christmas parades, featuring snow falling on Main Street, all you can eat cookies and hot chocolate, special character meetings, and a fireworks display.

It was the perfect ending to a fun family vacation that we won’t soon forget. (And at least for Will, we have pictures!)

Who needs reindeer?

Not Santa! He comes to Columbus in a T-38! Every year, Aaron's squadron hosts a Christmas party for the local children's home. There are crafts, food, and of course a visit from Santa. It was a bit rainy, but that didn't stop the jolly old elf. Here we are eagerly waiting for him to arrive...


Then, Santa made his landing!

Will was more fascinated by his goodie bag than he was Santa, but he sat happily on his lap for a few pictures. He's been a good boy this year... wonder what Santa will be leaving under the tree???

'Tis the Season

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Gobble! Gobble!

Turkey Day was a great success thanks to family, friends, and yummy food (most of which I didn't even have to make!) The whole crew included my parents, sister, and the Bibbs. Nana sent the turkey and fixin's from NC, so we enjoyed some good home cookin', and Amanda brought the best made-from-scratch apple and pumpkin pies!

In the Kemmerer family we have a fun tradition of making pilgrim and Indian headpieces to wear at the dinner table, so this year we made ones for Will and Isaac. But the rest of us weren't completely left out, we had placecards with names like Governor Bradley, Constance, Prudence, Babbling Brook, Swift Swallow...

And here's little pilgrim William Fairhair's thanksgiving feast. He made like a turkey and gobbled it up!

The next tradition comes from the Kiser family... the annual Thanksgiving croquet tournament. Usually the men folk play while the women enjoy talking, but with a smaller crowd we all got in on the action. Aaron claimed victory, but it was close... I sent a Kamikaze shot that knocked him back a few strokes and Amanda almost claimed it for the girls. Maybe next year...

Future croquet player?

Freedom Park

My family arrived in town the day before Thanksgiving. The weather was beautiful, so we headed to the park on base. Will loves the outdoors, especially the leaves, acorns, and pine needles that he tries to put in his mouth. GrandBrad, Mimi, and Aunt Kate kept him entertained and it was a great way to enjoy the last few days of fall.