Kinsey Turns 9!

Happy Birthday Kinsey!

We had the privilege of celebrating Kinsey's Birthday during the Girl's summer visit again this year.  Kinsey said she wanted to celebrate with a pool party, a bbq, her new friends from the court, ice cream cake and smores, so we did! 

A proud dad and grill master cooking her birthday dinner.

Friends and family.

Make a wish,

and hope it comes true,

You are an amazing girl,

And we love you!!!

Coast Guard Kids Celebration Day

The kids got to get on board a 25 ft. Patrol Boat

  Coast Guard Island opened itself up today specifically to celebrate our kids and the sacrifices and challenges they face with this lifestyle.  Being part of the Coast Guard Family is unique, we are an intimate community that faces unique challenges even compared to other branches of the Military.  My kids have an amazing way of adapting to it all and have pulled through beautifully.  They amaze me more and more everyday! This day was all about the kids with a day of fun including tours, petting zoo, bouncy houses and food.  Matt was able to break away and join us in the festivities even. It feels so good to know our sacrifices are recognized and appreciated!

Feeding and petting the animals.

H-65 Dolphin Fly by and landing...

Gabe loved being in the Pilot's seat...

...as did Maddie!

California State Railroad Museum

Today we headed north to California State's Capital city of Sacramento. More specifically, "Old Town Sacramento," where the side walks are wooden, the streets are brick, and the original buildings date back to the 1850s and the notorious mining days of the California Gold Rush.  The streets are riddled with historical museums, old fashioned candy shops, unique shops, fun entertainment and so much more.  Today we visited the train museum.  Gabe has become quite the train enthusiest and found himself on cloud 9 as we ventured through the exhibits, especially when we happend upon the Thomas play area!

We got to tour the inside of an old U.S. Post Office train and look at the mail bin we found!

Some of these trains were unbelievable HUGE!

Wonderful News For The Holidays!

Today we confirmed that we will be hosting Christmas at our home. We expect to have a full house with all five of our children and our extended family gathered around our table for Christmas dinner. The plane tickets were purchased today and we sigh in relief that this is really happening, we are so excited! While technology allows us to see, converse and spend time with one another, it certainly doesn't make up for the lack of hugs!