Off we go into the wild blue yonder...

As most of you probably know, those words are the first few words of the US Air Force song. By the time you read this we are probably on the road somewhere as we commence our travels and our move to Germany. It's hard to believe that it was only 4 short years ago that we were fixing (that's a new word I've picked up in the South, mum ;-)) to leave Sydney, Australia, and move to Sweet Home Alabama. Boy, we could not even have begun to imagine the amazing people and experiences that the Lord would bless us with, over the next four years. As we prepare to leave the United States (don't worry, we will be back eventually!), I (Fi) especilly feel sad to leave my adopted homeland, the country of my husband which is now my country too. If we didn't get a chance to give you a hug before we left Shreveport, please receive our "e-hug" now and know that we are thinking of you. A big thank you to all our wonderful friends and colleagues who threw us going away (not "goodbye"!!) parties, for all the gifts, cards and heartfelt words. I will get around to writing personal thank you cards to each of you; it just may take a little while along our travels. Until next time! Zev and Fi xoxo

Proud to be an American (still Aussie too!)

Meet America's newest citizen as of 2pm July 21st, 2008 (incidentally, Fi's brother Mario and his wonderful wife Gabby are the proud parents of a beautiful, healthy new baby boy born on July 21st! Congrats bro and Gabby, we wish we were there to meet your new bub). We traveled down to New Orleans on Sunday evening in order to attend the Naturalization Interview on Monday morning. We stayed the night in the French Quarter and had a brilliant time, walking the streets and taking pictures of beautiful and historic New Orleans. We ate out at a great Italian restaurant and really had a lovely experience all in all! Fi is proud to be an Australian-American. Fi's dearest friend Leslie threw her an "Americana" themed going away party in honor of her new citizenship back home in Shreveport. Boy, we are going to miss this wonderful state of Louisiana....

Goodbyes are not forever.

To all our dear Shreveport and Bossier friends and colleagues who threw us wonderful and heartfelt going away parties- THANK YOU so much, from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for welcoming us into your community and your lives and for helping make our experience here so wonderful. We will miss you guys and look forward to catching up in Germany! Love, Zev and Fi xoxoxo

Goodbyes are not forever.

Goodbyes are not the end.

They simply mean I'll miss you

Until we meet again!

~Author Unknown

Farewell Barksdale

The Change of Command Ceremony was beautiful and heartfelt. Zev received the Meritorious Service Medal and officially handed over command of his squadron. He even remembered that my favorite flower is the Pink Oriental Tiger Lily. Thanks for the memories, 2nd LRS.

Pie in the Sky

Zev's squadron hosted his going away cook-out on Friday at a park on base. They had all sorts of fun activities for the kids and Zev received a lot of wonderful, personalized and heartfelt farewell gifts which will always remind him of the professional and dedicated people he worked with during his time here at Barksdale. Zev will miss the men and women of his squadron, but we know that we are bound to run into some of them during our travels and Air Force career. The highlight of the picnic was the pie in the face contest- needless to say, the bidding for putting the pie in Zev's face raised the most money. He did smell like sour milk afterwards, even when he tried to wash it off! Mmmm, yummy ;-)

Fun at the courthouse

Fi will definitely miss practicing criminal law amongst some of the finest criminal trial lawyers she has ever worked with. She and her colleague Sarah, won a scholarship to attend the National Institute of Trial Advocacy school in Colorado. They will attend the week long course at the end of July (Zev will graciously pack up the house in Fi's absence- thanks hon ;-)) Fi is excited to "sharpen" her trial lawyer skills at the litigation school.

One last shoot at the range!

Amongst the favorite past times that Zev and Fi have enjoyed here in Trap and Skeet Shooting. We went out there one last time, earlier this week with some friends of ours. We hope to find a nice Trap and Skeet/ Rod and Gun Club in Germany to join.

Molly Ringwald

Zev surprised Fi earlier last week with a beautiful PINK retro bicycle which Fi has named "Molly Ringwald" ("Pretty in Pink"). She is a real pearla- the bike that is- and Fi can't wait to ride her into the little villages in Germany to pick up fresh bread for brekkie. (We might need to add a little white basket in the front. Zev can borrow the bike when he needs his dose of pinkness too.

Fi's running group

We had our farewell brunch with Fi's running group (the world famous "Slowbies") today. She has really enjoyed running with them, and pushing herself to new running limits. Berlin Marathon 2009, HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our Sunday school class.

Our Sunday school class, who we have been with for the entire three years that we have been stationed here, threw us a wonderful going away cook out last night. Zev will certainly miss the wonderful food and hunting to be done here in the "Sportsman's Paradise."

Fi and the girls

Fi has been blessed to make a lot of dear girlfriends here in Louisiana. They are all so special to her and have shared many wonderful moments together.

4th of July

We are so sad to say goodbye to all our wonderful friends and colleagues here in Louisiana. We have definitely loved living in Louisiana and will surely miss the wonderful culture and experiences here. We will even miss the sweltering heat in the summer and the southern drawl of the locals. Zev's Change of Command ceremony is tomorrow and we can't believe that three years have flown by so fast. We are excited about our next adventure in Europe and hope that our dear friends here will come visit us in Germany!