Catching up

I spent the last few months aboard the USS Essex; a Navy warship patrolling the Pacific. I appologize for the lack of contact and communication with everyone, but I am now safely back in Okinawa, Japan and will be able to call and email more regularly. Here are a few pictures of the places we've been and more importantly, the stages in which my mustache went through at those places.

Courtney's wedding luncheon

Courtney's wedding luncheon is at a beautiful reception hall in St. George.  On our way from CO to CA at the beginning of October, we stopped in to see what it was like in person. 

 This is the back wall.

 View from the 2nd floor

 2nd floor has a sitting area in the middle and the bride and groom rooms on either end.

 The bride's room is really beautiful-complete with lounge chair, 2 makeup stations, and a bathroom

The groom's room has a small mirror, 2 recliners, and some shelves.  It's ridiculously smaller than the bride's room, but that's probably because it never gets used.

Cast your vote

My sister Courtney's is getting married!!!  She is probably the most fashionable person I know, so picking the right dress to wear to her wedding is a lot of pressure.  Here are 5 that I ordered from A Pea in the Pod.  I might start looking around at some other websites too-any suggestions on where to find formal maternity wear would be appreciated. 

Hi Dad

The chicken and the egg

First an update on the chicken: She had a great time gathering candy at the trunk or treat we attended in Riverside with her cousins.  Well, she mostly enjoyed eating it, wrapper and all (she couldn't open it herself, and I think she knew better than to bring it to me, so she just went for it). 

And now an update on the egg: It's a girl! 

Pumpkins and Chopsticks

Just a couple of random pictures.  The base hosted a pumpkin patch (all free, of course.  If you love getting free stuff, join the military...they take your husband 6 months out of the year, but give you free pumpkins and nachos to make up for it).  We picked the littlest one we could find, and Kate still couldn't carry it, but she sure tried.

Later that day I decided to eat my stir fry (leftovers from Carolyn-thanks!) with chopsticks.  Kate decided to give them a try too.  It's in her blood, so it's no surprise that she was a natural. 

My New Hobby

While I was back home in CO, I got into the habit of shopping for deals.  Since most major stores are within minutes of my parent's house, I could hit all my fav's once a week. I didn't feel the pressure to buy anything if it wasn't a good deal.  I could just check back the following week.  Also, I had babysitters, so was able to actually shop (something almost impossible with kids in tow).

Now, having moved back to the middle of nowhere, I still need my shopping fix.  I hate having to keep a list of the things I need "in town" and then when I finally make it to civilization, having to buy everything I need right then and there, regardless of whether or not it's on sale.  Too much pressure.  So I've taken up a new hobby to: garage sailing!  

Here's the best deal I've gotten so far.  A brand new kitchen play set that's originally $80 for...$3!  It has a little crack in the counter.  It was brand new-hadn't even been assembled yet!  The best part is, Kate loves it.  And she loved helping me put it together. 

Our Trek West

Kate and I decided to head back to CA after 2 1/2 months with family in CO.  Dad drove us home.  We were able to stop in Utah and visit with family, and FUTURE family.  That's right, my baby sister is getting hitched in December.  Crazy!  This is them in the background.  The rest of the bunch is my brother, Jaeson, his wife, Sarah, and their boys.  Kate is wedged in there too.  What a good looking family! 

Riding the 4-wheelers around the farm is a must-do when visiting Grandma.

Kate hamming it up at the pond.

Utah in the fall-so beautiful!

Grandma making her famous rolls.  Kate loved hanging out with her Grandpa.

Fun at the Dairy

My friend Brittany and I went to a dairy nearby our city and had a great time!  There was a petting zoo with some goats and cows, and Kate made friends instantly. 

Kate's workout schedule

Many of you may wonder how we keep Kate so slim and trim.  We have her on a very strict diet and exercise program.  Here is a glimpse into the rigorous treadmill workout that her grandma designed especially for her.  Can you keep up?

A Day to Remember

Today was Danny’s grandpa’s funeral. Although I heard that Grandpa George had a pretty fiery side to him in his younger days, the Grandpa George I knew was always kind. He was a great man who left behind a huge family, most of which came to celebrate his life today. Danny wasn’t able to make it, along with a few others who are deployed as well (such is life in a military family). He was missed.

Above: Grandma with six of her seven kids.

Below: Grandma with most of her grandkids.

Above: Grandma with some of her great-grandkids (the one on her lap is 2 days old!)

Below: Kate with her cousins Bryce and Gus

Above: Everyone

Below: Grandma, kids, and spouses

Above: Kate with Ben and Brea, our good buds

Below: Everytime Kate saw this baby she wanted to hold her.  They're 8 months apart and almost the same size!

Another ninja on the way!

I'm pregnant!  Today I had my first ultrasound, and it affirmed that we are definitely expecting one little ninja sometime the beginning of March.  My mom's prediction of twins was disproved (whew!), and Danny's prediction that we're having a puppy was proven wrong too (sorry, honey). 

Family Time

One perk of spending the summer in Colorado is that there are always old friends and extended family visiting.  No one can resist Colorado in summertime!  Danny's family are coming into town lately to wish Grandpa George goodbye as he is terminally ill.  It's a hard time for the family, but also a time for them to come together and enjoy each other's company.  Danny has a very large and loyal family-so supportive and loving of each other.  It's been a pleasure to get to know them and be associated with them.  I'm glad Kate has some of their blood flowing through her veins. 

Kate with some 2nd cousins once removed (just making that up...).  Danny's cousin Holly's children.  They loved her, and she had a blast with them.

I love how kids become instant friends. 

Say "Cheese!"

Danny's parents and brother.  We're in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard (the house in the background is the neighbor's...)

Danny's Aunt, cousins, and cousin's kids.