I safely arrived in Iraq from Kuwait yesterday. It is only 110 here so it feels much cooler than the insanity that was Kuwait. It was like another planet there. Unfortunately it does smell here but not much different than Kabul. I have it pretty easy for this week actually. Just some classes. Most of the free time I spend emailing or calling the girls or watching movies on my laptop.

I have a wonderful family. You guys should know better than anyone that Brooke is an angel with patience greater than any saint...I say that because you all had to deal with me too. I just want to tell everyone in my family that I truly love the woman. She is an incredible person who has made all the difference to me in my life. And she loves all of you (and would love to talk to any of you, anytime). Happy Birthday Brooke!

Jane is that awesome child who has dealt with it all. Every time Dad has left, she has been the strong one there for Brooke and now the other girls. I love the kid to death. Happy Birthday Jane.

Love you guys.

Mike