Another Lovely Day at the San Diego Zoo

This is another of many of our trips to the San Diego Zoo.  I thought to make it a little more interesting I would highlight the animal or animals the kids we the most excited about.  

Today the lucky winner was the Galapagos Tortoise.  Jackson stood at this exhibit for a good 20 minutes "talking" to the "big, big, turdles."  He became a little distraught when one slowly made its way to its feet and began slowly walking away.  He yelled at the top of his lungs, "Come back turdle! Come back!"  It is so much fun watching him get excited about the animals.

Here are a few fun facts we learned about the Galapagos Tortoise.  These  tortoise can live to be 100-150 years old and weigh an average of 600 lbs!  No wonder they walk so slow!

Jackson also enjoyed climbing around on the bronze Gorilla statues.  We decided to take a family photo, Dan has been replaced by his stunt double, can you see the resemblance?  My camera was on a weird setting that made them black and white accept for the trees in the background.

He especially liked this gorilla.  He sat patting him on the head for a while saying "my munty" (translation: my monkey)

Bye-Bye Daddy

The day has finally come where we had to say good-bye to Dan for a time.  If any of you have experienced a send off you know what a truly long day it is.  Basically, you wait and wait and wait and wait and just when you think they are going to really leave you wait some more.  We arrived at the battalion at 12:00 and the buses did not drive away until 4:45.  The kids were spent and so was I.  Here are a few pictures I got of Dan and the kids and then the white buses we have developed a love hate relationship with.  They are the buses that take our Marines away from us, but they are also the buses that bring them him.  Let the countdown begin...307 days and counting.

Story Time with Dad

We make it a habit of reading with Jackson and Hannah before tucking them in for the night.  It being Dan's last night with us he did the honors and I couldn't help but snap a few pictures.  We decided to also video tape Dan reading books to the kids so he could still be a part of bedtime story time even from a far.

Easter Sunday

With Dan's deployment quickly approaching we had a bit of a nontraditional Easter.  We decided to for go the fancy outfits, lunch, and egg hunts and instead grab a bite at Arby's and head down to the Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland and San Diego Zoo. 

Here are some of my favorite shots from the zoo.

Jack was one tired boy, but who would pass up a little snuggle time with Dad

The aquarium was great.  All of the exhibits were down on Jackson's level so he was able to get right up to the glass and see the animals.  Here are a few of my favorite pictures.

Dan's Send Off

On Saturday we had a little Send Off party for Dan.  We invited several friends and some family to come.  It was a great time to hang out with everyone.  Dan's Uncle Steve was able to make it to the party, which was a treat since we had not seen him in seven years.

Dan's Dad and his wife Nancy also joined the party.

After most of the guests headed home Dan's childhood friend Jason and his wife Christina stayed and the guys taught Jackson how to "clear a room".  Here is a little video. (Sorry about the annoying buzzing sound.  Something is seriously wrong with my camera)

 

WOW It Has Been A While

Life has been moving at break neck speed here. I had no idea that it has been nearly six months since my last post! Lets do a little catching up shall we?

The biggest bit of news is Dan's deployment. Dan will be departing for Afghanistan in a week. This date has gotten moved numerous times (again just yesterday) but is final now. He is scheduled to be gone for seven months, but in all reality they will probably be extended a few months. So I am not too disappointed I am setting his return date in my mind as February. I am hoping to stay busy volunteering for LINKS and joining a few groups (play dates and such) here on base. I am also hoping to take a few trips as well to pass the time.

Jackson is now 2 and so much fun. He is learning to really communicate. I love that he can finally tell me what he wants and it is also neat to have little conversations with him. He is a big helper and actually has acquired a pretty good set of listening ears (hopefully I haven't jinkst that). He has really become attached to his Daddy so I think we are going to have a rough couple of weeks after Dan leaves.

Hannah is 10 months old and our biggest challenge has been her diet. She is the poster child for the La Leche League. She refuses to eat almost all solid foods and wont take formula. The doctor is not concerned because she is gaining weight and is growing appropriately. However, I would really like her to eat something besides animal crackers which is all she will take as far as solids go. She is such a sweetheart and has developed quite the personality.

That is the little update from us. I am vowing to update this more often. Dan may get to check it from time to time so that will be my motivation to post. Until next time...

Trying To Catch Up

In between feedings, screaming fits, naps, and the other chaos in my day I have been working feverishly to try and catch up on my blogging. I am not fully caught up, but it is a start check out what has been going on by clicking here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. Hopefully I will get it all caught up by the end of the week. ENJOY!