Nick's First Ride!

Nick got to go on his first official bike ride this afternoon. He had a blast, racing around the race track, and getting to ride to two different parks. He did fall over a couple times but he got right back up and on the bike for more.

Merry Christmas!!!!

What a day, that basically sums it up. We are just about to eat so this is going to be short and sweet. Our kids our spoiled. The made out like bandits. Erica and I actually had to go through their toy room and make room for the new toys. Santa brought them a bunch of gifts including new bikes. Anyways have a great holiday and enjoy the pics.

The Box!!

The Christmas Box that is. The box in the picture is the annual holiday box sent from Erica's parents it includes all sorts of goodies presents, fudge, spicy pretzels, and a holiday card. My Mom and Dave have sent a box as well and so have my Dad and Lovey, we love you all and thanks for the boxes. What truly amazes me is the kids reaction to the boxes arrival. It is the greatest day on earth for our kids when that door bell rings and Mom or Dad carries in a big ole box. The look of excitement on their faces the antsy anticipation that drives them into a frenzy. They can barely contain themselves. By the time we actually open the boxes the kids are practically screaming, once open they rifle the box and claim their favorites. Usually Erica and I are the voice of reason to this madness but some times just sometimes we are a little unrestrained as well. In the aftermath of all this excitement one thing that remains is the box, which usually ends up as the toy of the day for the rest of the day. Enjoy the pics.

Holiday Cookies!!!

All I have to say is what a mess! Don't get me wrong it was a fun mess but a mess none the less. Erica being the artist that she is made some very impressive cookies the kids on the other hand decorated 2 cookies each and then ate them, along with several handfuls of toppings. Even Tommy had fun munching on cookies and painting his tray with frosting. It was all fun and games until Erica tried to set up the ginger bread house. The pre-made parts were broke right out of the package but Erica thought she could still piece them together with icing. She had it looking decent for about 5 minutes until the roof caved in and the walls fell over. The night ended with 2 hyper active children (Nick/Tommy) and one with a tummy ache (Connor)that tummy ache ended up all over our couch! Enjoy the pics.

Happy Holidays from the BEACH!

That's right I said from the beach. It was well over 80 degrees here today and there is nothing better to do on a hot day than to play at the beach. Still seems strange that 13 days away from Christmas and we are not all bundled up or sliding on ice while fighting for a parking spot at Wal Mart but lounging at the beach. It was great we watched a couple planes land and a jet take off, we saw a whole school of dolphins playing, Nick chased birds and Connor tried to take a nap in the sand. Erica found sand dollars that she plans to make into ornaments, and I of course took pictures. We even had a little picnic, what a great way to spend a Sunday. Enjoy the pix.

Christmas Lights!

Last night we invited our neighbors over to go see some Christmas lights with us. We know of this street where over 40 houses are decorated and they sell hot coco and mistletoe. We had a great time and I took a bunch of pictures just to get us in the Holiday mood enjoy the pix.

Housing Housing Housing!

The nice thing about living in this housing is all the activities they have planned for the residents. We have attended countless events and have had a great time at all of them. Even the events when we are picking up trash off the beach is fun. We actually attended two events this past Saturday.

The first was Dad's on Duty Christmas Extravaganza. Nick, Connor and I went, as it was suppose to be for fathers and children only. Erica stayed home with the little one. We had fun decorating cookies, meeting Santa and even made a new purse for mom.

Not even an hour after getting home from that event we had to rush out the door, kids in the wagon to the Our Gift to You family housing event. We had to make our time slot as they had to stagger the participants. Even then we were last in a line of over 50 people. Again the kids got to decorate cookies, pick a gift and we had a family photo with the Grinch. Some may remember last years picture with the Grinch where Nick and Connor where crying their eyes out. This year however was a complete switch, Connor sat on his lap and Nick stood right beside him with no issues. Enjoy the pics, (the Family Grinch picture will be coming soon I still have to scan it in to the computer).

5 years and counting!

That's right boys and girls it has been 5 years that I have been in the Navy. Lets see what has happened in that time; boot camp, corps school, surgical technician school, USNS Mercy deployment, and that's about it. Sure there has been countless other experiences but for the most part for the last two years I have been left to my own devices.

So on 8 December 2010 I reenlisted for 4 more years. It was suppose to take place in the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery but that plan fell through and I ended up reenlisting at Balboa Park. I had one of the ENT residents reenlist me. I was presented with a command coin and Erica even received an award for putting up with me and the Navy. I even got the rest of the day off.

Some may ask what our future in the Navy looks like and to that I say I have no idea! I am applying to 2 officer programs this coming year as well as selecting my sea duty orders, so who knows what will happen. Enjoy the pix.