Big Brad Bounces Back Home

We went to California for 13 days. We went primarily for my graduation and then stayed for visiting with family. We were also hoping that my sister in-law would have their 1st baby while we were there, but she is probably about to have it I right this. We had a blast but were ready to come home! It was strange that after living in the Bay Area my whole life, (minus a mission for church) that when I got off the plane in San Jose and drove around, it didn't feel like home. It felt more like I was visiting the place where I grew up. I knew that the little town of La Grange Kentucky is now my home.

The flight there and back were with Frontier Airlines. I don't know if it was because it was with this airline or if it was because we were going in and out of Denver, but we had more turbulence than I have ever had before. It was AWESOME! I don't know why but I always enjoy it. It feels like a roller coaster but you never see the bumps coming! Sharon however, feels differently. I'll let her tell that story though.
The next big thing was graduation itself. It was a pretty normal graduation. A valedictorian, a couple of old guys talking and people walking around in weird costumes. the cool part was that I won almost every award. I did not win Valedictorian... I know what you're thinking... duh. But I did win the Philosophy, Clinical Excellence, and Student Fellowship awards, I was also recognized for my services in a few of the clubs and organizations I was involved with. Kinda cool. but whatever. I also got a book given to me by our commencement speaker. Also cool. I just wish that stuff would all translate into a job right now, or money coming in.

Also I feel it is important to also share my accomplishment with my wife who has supported me in every step of this long long journey. She married me two weeks after I got laid off from a job and haven't been back to work at a real job since. What a woman. Plus she has been pregnant twice during all this and also stayed at home with the kids teaching them and loving them in a way I never could. On top of all that we lived with Fred for a year and a half of schooling and that alone is worthy of recognition.

We had other good times in California too. we got to see some very good friends, and their two kids and they even brought there little tiny blue chihuahua puppy. It was really cute. We were very tempted to bring back to Kentucky with us. They have been such good friends for a long time, they give us hand me downs and drive all the way from Gault, (right near the middle of no where). Can you tell which one is Holly and which two are Mitchell? We love Holly's fro but she has lately been wanting "BIG HAIR" so maybe we ought to compliment her more when her hair is less "BIG".

Holly and Oscar also had fun with the Hartung tradition of taking a bath in Grandma's kitchen sink. I think this was their first time together too. I am sure it won't be their last. We also got to spend lots of time with cousins at parks, museums, t-ball games, the pool, and had a lot of fun just hanging around with all the other family members and friends. We went out to eat too often and I think Sharon and I both put on about 5 pounds. ugg. The best food we ate was an appetizer at a place called By-th'-Bucket. It was a baked Brie thing with incredible sauce and it was SO GOOD! We then flew home and screwed up the kids sleeping habits and they are still trying to figure out when the right time to go to bed is.

thanks for checking in on me.