Florida Travel, Brian's Promotion, and Austin's Graduation

So much has happened the last couple weeks, I almost don't know where to begin. 

Remember the Schaumburg Townsends?  Well, they're baaack! We had a call from Brian telling us about his exciting new move.   Congratulations to Brian!  I know you'll hate to leave St. Charles, but there will be lots of excitement in Schaumburg too.

We traveled to Naples, FL and located a condo to spend a couple months this Winter.  We looked at condos and also manufactured homes in an over 55 residential park.  The residential park was an affordable option for us, but we questioned whether or not we would be happy with all the rules.

After Florida, we went to Columbia, SC, to see Austin graduate from entry level training with the Army National Guard.  Wednesday was Friends and Family Day. The soldiers marched on to Hilton Field for a short program, and then they were dismissed to spend the day with their families on the base.  We played a game of mini-golf, had lunch at the PX, and then spent some time relaxing at Solomon Center.  Thursday was Graduation Day.  Very impressivve events!
 

Schaumburg trustees Tuesday approved Brian Townsend as their new village manager, welcoming him back to where he spent seven years as assistant village manager before eight as city administrator of St. Charles.
Townsend's official start date will be Aug. 31, though his first day in the office will be Tuesday, Sept. 3 — just after Labor Day and Schaumburg's Septemberfest celebration. With the selection of a manager already familiar with Schaumburg, retiring Village Manager Ken Fritz has settled on Thursday, Aug. 29, as his final day at village hall ."The board has made a good choice," Fritz said of his successor and former assistant. "He'll be a good village manager. He's been successful in St. Charles over the past eight years."
Townsend spent a total of 12 years with Schaumburg in various positions, beginning as an intern who never left. At Tuesday's village board meeting, Townsend reflected on how much has changed for that intern of 20 years ago. "I didn't know what I didn't know," he said. "I've come a long way." He thanked the village board for helping fulfill a dream he could never be sure would materialize — returning to Schaumburg."For me, there's not another position I'd rather have right now," Townsend said.

After entering the base, we followed a "blue line" painted on the highway to Hilton Field.

Smoke bombs were set off, and the soldiers marched from the trees through the smoke to the field.

The following video shows what an impressive sight it was.

Soldiers  in viewing area.

Austin

Me, Tiggie May, Corey, Shawn, Austin, Grammy, Jerpa with Kaden and Rylan in front.

It was a hot day, but we still enjoyed a game of mini-golf.

Austin wanted Taco Bell for lunch, so we went to the PX.  Devouring his 12-pack of tacos.

Kaden's 4th birthday took a backseat to Austin's day.  Here he enjoyed opening presents, and then we had cake.

After a discussion about girls, I reminded Austin of just a few short years ago how he and Johnny Evans told me they were going to be gay.  He says, "I don't remember that conversation."

Me, Austin, and Jerpa sitting in Solomon Center

On graduation day, the band entertained us prior to the ceremony.

The soldiers were delivered to the field on buses at the far end, and then marched to center field.

Graduating soldiers in formation, center field.

Passing in review.

Several classmates from Homer came for the graduation.

View from the back of our Winter Retreat

Street view

Arrow pointing to our second floor unit.

Pool  area and back of unit.

The manufactured home we liked best in Naples Land Yacht Club.

No trip to Naples would be complete without the beach.  We didn't spend much time here because we were so busy, but next Winter that's where we'll be.