military moves

There were just a few bases that Dale could be stationed at. We lived on each coast, never overseas, and I had my favorites. We started at Keesler in Biloxi, MS. Going from living less than a half mile from the Gulf with palm trees, lighthouses, bridges that came apart in the middle to let ships pass through and going to Stake Conference in a completely different state, to the very dry desert of Luke in Arizona was a major difference. Here we had sand storms, cactus, flash floods, more sun than not and hot, hot, hot! This is where our sweet Melissa Ann was born, April 2, 1982. The best thing that happened to me in Arizona. After 4 1/2 years of many prayers and trying to get away from the heat, Dale was finally given a scholarship to attend BYU in Utah. That news had to be one of the happiest days of my life, aside from all my beautiful children being born and my wedding day! Our next move was to Provo, Utah. Provo was filled with everything I had grown up with....seasons, snow, close to family, mountains and LDS churches at every turn. Occasionally we would go to the closest base in Layton, Hill AFB, for groceries. I did miss the commissary and the great prices on food. Dale graduated in Electrical Engineering after 4 years. And its here that our little angel, Stacey Marcelle was born. She entered the world on grandma Storers birthday - November 23, 1985. So we were now blessed with 2 boys and 2 girls :) Then the news came of a new assignment in Los Angeles, California - I cried. It was like moving to the moon. It took a lot of adjusting for both Dale and I. He traveled more than he was home. I now lived in the land of too many freeways, gangs, so many trips to the airport, beaches, Disneyland, Sea World, fog, perfect weather, earthquakes and good friends. LA Base was on the coast next to LAX (airport). Our home was in Chino Hills, at least a 2 hour drive away, each way. On rainy days or MLB (baseball) days, the commute was much longer for Dale. We had our 3 oldest involved in Little League, which was a nice distraction. Even with all the perks of southern California, it was a close second to my least favorite place to be. Yet much growth on my part. Our 5th little bundle of joy and 3rd little girl joined us there - Jennifer Rae was born July 29, 1990 in San Dimas. After not having my husband around most of the time, prayers were said for a change and a change was offered to us. That offer took us to Andrews AFB in Maryland for a one year tour. We lived on the base and what a refreshing change for me. However, not all of the kids fared so well. Here we were able to do a lot of visiting the New England states, historic sites, Washington D.C., the Mall, much to do in a short amount of time. Our 4th precious daughter and the baby of our babies was born at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland - Amber Michelle born February 29, 1992. Our leap year baby! Each move came with a new baby. Our last move was to Hill AFB in Layton, Utah, where Dale retired at 15 years of military service. He continues to work for the government at Hill as a civilian employee. This has been our home for 21 years, the longest we've stayed anywhere. My Patriarchal Blessing promises me good friends in whatever parts of the world I lived and that promise was fulfilled. I have wonderful friends from each state we lived in and so thankful for that blessing and each one of those wonderful friends.