Updates & Reflections

What’s new with the Dobrow family?  Well, a lot, actually!  I am finally done with school – In May, I completed my graduate program at Columbia College and am the proud recipient of a Master’s degree in Elementary Education!!! That’s not the only wonderful accomplishment that this family has to be proud of, though.  This spring, a main reason I didn’t have the time to post, Jeff was away in Alabama working hard and, In June, he completed Officer Training School.  My husband has his commission and is now a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force (So proud of you Babe!J). 

Now that he has completed his training to become an officer, he is away once again and we miss him something awful!!! L That being said, we are excited about the new opportunities that we will have as a result of these small sacrifices as a family!  Six days ago Jeff left for Vandenberg Air Force Base, in California, to attend school for his job as a Missiles Officer.  After Christmas, just a few short months from now, we will be leaving Missouri and making Great Falls, Montana, our new home.  Once there, Jeff will begin his new job and I fully intent to begin shaping young minds through my teaching and experiencing all that the great state of Montana has to offer. 

All the craziness aside, and after my husband’s graduation from Officer Training School, we were able to have him home on leave for 5 weeks and enjoyed a much-needed vacation that was full of fun and we made some lasting memories as a family!  Some may call us crazy, but we embarked on an in-your-face, no personal space, three-week-long road trip to California.  Before getting to California, though, we picked up our oldest son, Jaydon, from Offense-Defense football camp in Kansas City.  After four days of practice, three practices a day, every day, in the Missouri heat and humidity, he learned a lot and grew from this experience (although his appreciation of the value in this was temporarily overshadowed by exhaustion and a sore body).  We are so proud of him and the young man he is becoming!  

Jaydon, running the ball

After picking Jaydon up from camp, we were ready to officially begin our chaotic and fun-filled summer vacation!  The first major destination for the family was Disneyland.  We couldn’t go all the way to California without first stopping off in Phoenix to spend some time lounging poolside at my dad’s house.  This was my first time at his new house.  We really enjoyed ourselves and the time we were able to spend with Papa Jojo! 

Laney, Jaydon, & I

Quincy & Papa Jojo

Following some very quality time with my dad, the Dobrow family headed toward the happiest place on Earth – Disneyland!  The kids were so excited, Laney and Quincy especially.  They were just babies the last time we went and didn’t remember it as vividly as Jaydon did.  

Jaydon, Laney & Quincy

That being said, Jaydon, Jeff & myself were also very excited and had equally as good of a time (I am a serious kid at heart!!!).      

Jaydon & I

 I learned something about my family – when it comes to vacationing, Jeff and the kids treat it like an extreme sport!    I teased them and told them that our trip to Mickey’s world should be termed “Disneylanding”. 

Jeff & Jaydon in Minnie's House

 Three days was plenty - I don't know if I could have endured more than that!  Once we completed that portion of our journey, we were off to celebrate Jeff’s Grandmother her 80^th birthday.  For her birthday, Grams wanted the whole family to get together at Silver Lake Family Camp – a place she has been bringing her family and making memories for years and years.  So, it was off to Silver Lake for some Dobrow family fun & celebration of an amazing and inspiring woman!  We had so much fun and were able to see the entire family at one time – even Jeff’s brother, his wife, and kids - Layla & Cyrus - were able to come all the way from Japan for this special occasion.  Here are some pictures of our time at Silver Lake.  

Laney & Grams

From Left: Layla, Laney, Cyrus, & Quincy

The Whole Dobrow Family

This was an amazing vacation and we had a blast – so much fun that I really needed a vacation from my vacation just to recover from all of the activity!  I look forward to sharing our adventures that are yet to come as a family and throughout our next few months, as we embark on this new chapter in our lives.  Here’s to the future and the unpredictably, crazy, and joyful life we lead!