A proud moment

Michael Jordan was my favorite athlete of my childhood...I loved watching him play ball...and I still remember the Christmas when I got my first pair of Air Jordans. I haven't stopped collecting them and all other sorts of Jordan gear since. So when I found out we were having a lil boy, I was so stoked to get him some Jordan gear. No J's on him yet...but I did get Mac a little onesie, beanie, and some socks. It's too big right now, but I couldn't resist putting the lil beanie on Mac today...I love it! Good times.



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Location:San Antonio, TX

McCoy Zachary Oliverson

Our little man is here. 7.2 lbs and 19 in. Such a whirlwind of a day. I'm so glad to finally meet him. He's a chill lil guy with quite an appetite. Happy Thanksgiving y'all. Good times.







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Location:San Antonio, TX

San Francisco 49ers

I have been a loyal Niners fan my entire life. As a youngster this brought some great times...as my fanmanship of football matured with age, rough times hit the Niners. With every new coach, I've hoped the Niners would turn it around, yet it never happened. Coach Jim Harbaugh once again brought a renewed sense of hope, and thus far...at 8-1, we may have found the answer. Knock on wood, go Niners, and good times.


PS: Still no word on the world's newest lil Niners fan, stay tuned.

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The weekend

Well I already appreciated weekends a great deal, but being in training here will make those ones that are free, extremely valuable. This weekend was good...I got to spend a lot of time with Chrissy, which is my favorite thing to do. On Saturday we went to see the Blue Angels at the air show at Randolph AFB, then we had Rudy's BBQ for dinner. Then today we spent the day relaxing at the Freeman's and enjoying a tasty lasagna dinner. We put the stroller together, just one step closer to being ready for the lil fella. Then Chrissy napped while I watched the Niners win to go 6-1...the weekend was capped off by an iChat with the fam.


(thanks for taking a pic momma freeman) Good times.
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My World

I had some free time this weekend, which led me to do some reminiscing. I thought back on how Chrissy and I came to be. It was fun to think back on then, and realize where we're at now...and where we are headed.


This was a group blind date night organized by a mutual friend. Chrissy came right up to me and tied our hands together for this obstacle deal...when a cute girl does something like that, a dude obliges...and a seed was planted.


A while later we went with a group to go hiking at Lost Maples. Honestly, we hardly talked that day, and you can see we're on opposite sides of this picture, but I knew I had a lil thing for her the whole time. On the way home we stopped at Cider Mill Cafe and ate some delicious burgers. Sitting there at the picnic table, I had this moment...where I just looked over at Chrissy and thought to myself..."man she's beautiful." I also had this interesting desire to take care of her...you see, she didn't have the cash to get good bev with her burgs, and I could see she was disappointed with the water...these burgs clearly deserve more than that. I dropped the ball that day and didn't get her that drink. Yet here we are today, a few years later and we're married and expecting a lil dude to come along. There is nobody in the world I'd rather be on this adventure with. I don't know firsthand about the sacrifices of pregnancy...but I can see that it is indeed quite the sacrifice. I appreciate so much what she's doing for me and the little fella. I love you darlin, and I will always make sure you have good bev with your burgs. Good times.
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Location:Texas

T-I-M-E

I really enjoyed conference today. Chrissy, Mom, Angie, and Charlie all came over to the Colonel's office to watch it on the computer. Dad's in the office every Saturday, so it was nice to have a place we could go...since I'm not allowed to leave post. I liked a quote in particular, about how love was really spelled t-i-m-e. This past week here at Ft. Sam hasn't exactly been easy, but my sweet wife Chrissy has been so loyal, loving, and true to me. It's such a blessing to be close to her. Being restricted to staying on post here, she pretty much has to do all the work if we wanna see each other. She willingly loads up the car with dinners, treats, my laundry, and other things that I need...and drives 20 miles here....only to be able to sit in the car together. She is not comfortable for long sitting like that....yet she shows up, day after day...and makes the end of my day something to really look forward to. I'm so grateful for her and all she does for me...and for us. I'm grateful for her sacrifices in carrying around our little man....Mac is a lucky lil dude, cause I know Chrissy's gonna be an amazing mom. I can't wait. Anyway, I just wanted to publicly express my gratitude and love for my sweet wife. She makes me understand what Heavenly Father's plan of happiness is really all about. I love you darlin. Truly this is good times.


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Location:Ft. Sam Houston, TX

American Soldier

As you can see becoming a soldier is the fulfillment of a dream for me. I've always had a desire somewhere inside of me to be an "Army guy." It will be my honor and privilege to serve this country that I love, and to be called an American soldier.
Me and my dad, the Colonel....one of my greatest heroes and examples...it's an honor to wear the same uniform that he has so dutifully worn for longer than I've even been alive.

Life at HHC

Well after completing BCT I
reported to OCS ready for the next step in my military training. We had about 170 people going for 79 active duty slots. They are very much overbooked and backlogged. So basically they have all the "holdovers" in a place called HHC. I missed the PT cutoff by 3 points...with my 273. Not gonna lie, I have worked pretty hard, and feel good about that score. (as I'm sure most soldiers would) So I've been stuck here in HHC for a few weeks. We basically get stuck with all the crappy duties...and we sit around in a hot room watching only CSPAN. It's pretty rough. But we do get phones and computers...and this weekend, we even get a pass! So I'm eating pizza and watching football today. Good times.





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Location:Ft. Benning, GA

The most special of the fellas

Came across this clip during my personal time at HHC OCS today. It was played after the Spurs won game 7 and the NBA championship in 2005. That is my favorite of the 4 ships. That team will always hold a special place in my heart. Goosebumps, watery eyes, and good times.

BCT Family Day

Well let me just say that I don't wish basic combat training on anyone. It was tough being away from Chrissy and the fam, but I did do some cool stuff. Rappelled, shot a lot of weapons, rode in a Humvee...I'm glad it's over with though. It was awesome having Chrissy and the fam come out for graduation and family day. We had many nice meals courtesy of the Colonel...and many a tasty treats courtesy of Chrissy, Mom, and apparently Winnie. It was good times.


Hangin out at the pond.


Chuckster made the trip as well.

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Location:Ft. Jackson, SC

I've got an Angel...

...she doesn't wear any wings. She means everything to me. She really is a dream come true. I am one lucky dude to have her forever mine. Today is our two year anniversary. What a wonderful blessing Chrissy is in my life. She is perfect for me and I'm so thankful to have married her in the Temple and that we'll be together forever. I'm so excited to start a lil family with her and see what an amazing Mom she's gonna be. This morning I leave for Army basic training so I won't be around to celebrate our special day...but I just wanted to publicly profess my love for my sweet Chrissy. I love you darlin.



good times.

Meeting the fellas...

A couple weeks ago I received a phone call from my lil sis Aubrie. She was so excited to tell me about lil Winnie's gymnastics class that day. It seems that one of the little dudes in her class had his dad bring him to class, and the dad happened to be the greatest power forward in the history of basketball. None other than my favorite athlete of all-time, Tim Duncan. That's right...Aubrie sat next to Timmy D! It has long been a dream of mine to meet Timmy. I've always wondered and thought about what I'd say to him. So this week, my final week in town before leaving for the Army...I went to Winnie's final gymnastics class. It was fun seeing Winnie do all her lil gymnastics stuff. Tension and excitement filled the air as the little kids stretched and began class. We all watched on and silently wondered if he'd show up. About five minutes in, I looked over and in walked in a 6'11" dude in some shades, adidas cutoff shirt and slides, and some urban camo swim trunks. My heart just about leapt out of my throat. It was Timmy!!! After class I approached him and he looked right at me and said, "hey what's goin on man?" Then some lady interuppted us...but at that point a dream had already come true. Timmy is really private and doesn't do pics, but luckily my dear lil sis came prepared with a little basketball and a sharpie...so I got his autograph and was on cloud nine all day.


...and then, the next day Chrissy and I were running some errands with Momma Freeman. We were just entering the shops at La Cantera when Momma Freeman asked me to recount the whole experience of meeting Timmy D. I was about 15 seconds into telling her what happened when I looked up and David Robinson walked out of the Apple Store! I couldn't believe it! I walked right up and said, "Big Dave!" I thanked him for the championships and good times and he was very friendly shaking all our hands and talking to us. I told him that I'd met Tim Duncan the day before and he laughed and said it must be Spurs week for me. What a sweet send off from the fellas. What are the odds, that the last week before I ship out to Army training, and on consecutive days I meet the two pillars of the San Antonio Spurs franchise! It was so cool! I will cherish the memories forever. Good times.

4 wheeling at Bear Lake

I fell in love with 4-wheelers on my Grandpa Nielsen's Suzuki Quad Runner...riding around the farm in Winder, ID. So I really wanted to make 4-wheeling a part of our recent vacation. Our initial rentals fell through and things were looking grim...then good ole Uncle Jerry made a few phone calls and lined up some rentals in Laketown, UT. It was a blast!!! I'm so buying one of these some day.

This was crazy....a dadgum cattle drive across the road.

We rode around on trails in the hills overlooking Bear Lake...I was seriously in heaven.
Chrissy's ready to roll out.
I was only stopped by one law enforcement official.



Good times.

Air Power Expo-NAS Ft. Worth JRB

I really like going to air shows...less for the crazy trick planes whippin around in the sky...and more for demonstrations of the air power that gives America air superiority in any fight she may get into. So the Air Power Expo at Naval Air Station Ft. Worth Joint Reserve Base seemed like the logical place for me to be yesterday. Especially after missing the Blue Angels last week. So Chrissy, Charlie, and I headed up to Ft. Worth...it was well worth it.

My favorite plane is the A-10 Thunderbolt II...aka the Warthog. They literally built the plane around that 30 mm gun in the front.

The famed Blue Angels. The U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team. I highly recommend that you see them if you get the chance. They'll be in San Antonio October 29-30 (I believe at Randolph AFB). Naval aviation holds a certain mystique in my heart...(thank you Top Gun)...and these guys are awesome to watch.

The paracommandos brought in the colors with a stirring rendition of the national anthem.

The VFA-204 River Rattlers finished off the national anthem with a fly over in their F/A-18s. (that middle one is actually an F-5 in case you were wondering)

I have never seen a Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier in person. It was awesome. They demonstrated its vertical take off and landing capability. It can literally just hover in the air, and spin around, then really blast its engines and take off whippin around like a fighter jet. Chrissy's favorite demonstration of the day.

A big reason we went was to see the A-10 demonstration team. I love this plane, and I love how it swoops around in the sky, and then wreaks havoc on the enemy...providing close air support for our troops on the ground. I hope these guys watch over FOB Bostick from the skies over Afghanistan.

The heritage flight of the P-51 Mustang and the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

We were treated to a fly over by a USAF B-52 Stratofortress. These bombers have been in service for almost 60 years!

Threat eliminated.

The Blue Angels demonstration begins with a USMC C-130T Hercules...aka Fat Albert.

Usually the Blue Angels have four F/A-18s flying in a diamond formation, and #5 and #6 birds provide the solo and opposing demonstrations. For some reason, they towed #4 away in the morning and flew without her.

#5 Lt Ben Walborn flies inverted crossing paths with #6 Lt C.J. Simonsen. You'll notice the landing gear is down and the tail hooks are out. Those hooks grab on to a wire on the landing surface of an aircraft carrier to land the aircraft and prevent the plane from going into the drink.

Everything the Blue Angels do is done with exact, military precision. From the way the maintenance crews prepare the aircraft for flight in unison, to the way #8 reads the narration to #7, who then delivers it to the crowd...all while standing at attention. It really is spectacular to watch.

Good times.
(a big thanks to my dear wife Chrissy...she takes awesome pics)

100 Years of Naval Aviation--NAS Corpus Christi

Well this past weekend we had a great family trip down to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. They were having an air show to celebrate 100 years of Naval aviation. Dad hooked up some sweet rooms at the Navy Lodge...waterfront on the bay. We went out for a walk on the jetty and saw a bunch of dadgum dolphins swimming around. It was crazy. We had a delightful round of fish-n-chips from Snoopy's, followed by some ice cream from Scoopy's next door. The next day at the air show was fun...but the low clouds ended up preventing the Army Golden Knight parachute team from jumping, and eventually grounded the Blue Angels. It was a bit of a disappointment, but in the end, a good time was had by all.
My future employer.
CH-47 Chinook...these are some serious heavy lift birds.
My first time seeing an AH-64 Apache attack bird...it was awesome.
We were well positioned to watch the Blue Angels...dadgum clouds.
This is the Navy F/A-18 Hornet...it's what the Blue Angels fly.
Metal under tension, beggin' me to touch and go...highway to the danger zone!!!

The anticipation builds as each pilot salutes his crew chief, gets in the cockpit, and fires up their two General Electric turbofan engines.

The Blue Angels will be at NAS Ft. Worth JRB next weekend, along with the A-10 demonstration team. Hopefully the weather will cooperate this time. Good times.

Tim is oscar mike

I have been very passionate about all things military since I can remember...my earliest days were spent running around an Army base in camouflage and dog tags-waking up at the crack of dawn to go out and salute the soldiers running by doing their morning PT. I have always been very proud of my Dad Col. Forrest W. Oliverson. I now have a few brothers in law who are in the military and I'm proud and honored of my association with them. I've always looked up to my big brother, Spc. Tim Oliverson. He is a humble man of great faith and I respect and love him a great deal. I know he's a fine soldier. Within a matter of hours he will be stepping into harm's way in the defense of our great nation. We said goodbye to him via video chat tonight...and it was my honor to salute my big brother. May Heavenly Father watch over, protect, and be with Tim, and all the troops as they sacrifice and serve. I also pray for Amy, Clara, and the Little Colonel...as a deployment is a huge challenge for the family staying behind as well. Every day I pray for the troops and their families...but those prayers will take on a whole other meaning now. I'm reminded of one of my favorite passages of scripture, about a humble soldier Captain Moroni. It has inspired me each of the numerous times that I've read and thought about it...it means a great deal to me and brought me great comfort as I read and pondered it tonight.

And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it--In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives and our children--and he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land--

I am proud of my family's devotion and sacrifice for a chosen land, and am honored at the thought of someday calling myself an American soldier. God bless the troops and God bless America.

Para siempre Dios esté con vos.

Burn me up a thick one.

Today I made the greatest meal that I have ever single-handedly made. I whipped up twice-baked potatoes...with sour cream, cream cheese w/chives, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits...they were phenomenal. Then I burnt up a top sirloin to perfection...I'm diggin the cowboy rub. Clearly it was all washed down with a diet Dr. Pepper. Good times.

Jimmah!!!

...splash.

I am thoroughly enjoying March Madness this year. Although I'm still a bit ticked about Texas. But BYU's run to the sweet sixteen (and hopefully further...knock on wood) has been solid. Jimmer Fredette is ridiculously fun to watch. I hope he can pull out some more magic tonight against Florida. I found this pic and thought it was sweet...it's the cover pic for Sports Illustrated this week. good times.

Another Song

So the other day Angie gave us a groupon for a couple of movie tickets...we went and saw "just go with it." It was hilarious...especially Dave Matthews. There was a song in it that was a mashup of Snow Patrol and The Police "Every Car You Chase."

john denver

i've always loved this song...and i've always loved john denver so this was a great find, thanks chrissy.

heartwarmer

saw this clip online the other day and watched it....pretty cool story. desean jackson was a clutch performer for me in fantasy football this year...glad to see he's got some off the field heart too.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=6120346

little birds

So the Colonel came across some sweet little remote control helicopters at the PX and must have known the joy it would bring us Oliverson (and Ashton) boys. I got a lil AH-64 Apache attack bird...Charlie's been flying his non-stop since he got it...achieving a beautiful tactical landing on the ceiling fan...which, let me tell you, would be extremely difficult to successfully accomplish. Chrissy and I made a fun little video of it...lil bugger is quite mesmerizing when it's up in the air flying around. I've already made preparations to add to my little aviation squadron with a CH-47 on the way to bring some heavy lift and troop transport capabilities to the table. Good times.