Sailors

Friday we got to be part of a special day. Clayton's Senior Chief, from the ship in Japan retired from the Navy. Brad is someone who has not only been a good Senior Enlisted advisor to Clay, but also a friend to us as a family as well. This was my first time going to a a retirement ceremony, I was glad we got the opportunity to share in this day and to thank Brad for all he has done for us and the USA. Clay had to get all gussied up in his dress white uniform, and be there early for rehearsal. The kids and I took the time to drive around the base checking out the ships... then playing in the car, then out in the humidity (that did a total number on my straightened hair, can we say FRIZZ!). Not too many children are at these ceremonies, so that is always a bit nerve wracking. Gabrielle was on very good behavior, Elliot was a bit noisy at times but then I got him to sleep and we were able to listen to the speeches (as was everyone else).

Mr I can do ANYTHING!

My boys, Elliot is a fan of all things hats (for a few minutes). While I was waiting with the kids a man walked by in Clay's normal blue camo uniform, Elliot got excited but then realized it wasn't dad.
Leaving the cool 65* indoor ceremony and going out into the 95* humid heat was a shock to my camera, fogged up! This pic is sweet no matter what tho.

Clayton got the HONOR of reading the Watch.

The Watch

For twenty-four years

this Sailor has stood the watch.

While some of us were in our bunks at night

this Sailor stood the watch.

While some of us were in school learning our trade

this shipmate stood the watch.

yes, even before some of us were born into this world

this shipmate stood the watch.

In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen

brewing on the horizon of history

this shipmate stood the watch.

many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family

standing there needing his guidance and help.

Needing that hand to hold during those hard times

but he stood the watch.

He stood the watch for twenty-four years.

He stood the watch so that we, our families and

our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, each and

every night knowing that a Sailor stood the watch.

Today we are here to say

"Shipmate... the watch stands relieved.

Relieved by those you have trained, guided, and led.

Shipmate you stand relieved...we have the watch."

"Boatswain..Standby to pipe the side, shipmate going

ashore."

And then bells rang and Brad walked down the aisle flanked by Side boys and retired.

Backyard Fun

Last weekend Clay and I followed the signs in our neighborhood to a "big garage sale." Instantly I saw it knew it had to be ours, Clayton didn't agree.... I won! We now have our very own play kitchen, complete with a BBQ on the back side. Clay's reason for not wanting to buy it are totally legit- that means we have to play kitchen all the time! Yes, but keeping it outside means we have more to do in the back yard, yet with the heat we only spend an hour or two at a time out there. We promptly scrubbed the kitchen down and were applauded by Gabby for being "such a thoughtful mother and father!" Now she can be a mommy whenever she wants! What a deal, $30 and in great condition (missing only the little pretend toys it came with and the fabric awning). Plastic play food has been bought and is strewn about the yard and house. Success!

Bright idea, bring the paint outside so there is less to clean up! Use cardboard for the paint pallet and let them decorate the fence. Right now I am sticking with the excuse that the paint says it is washable.... so was the RED marker on our apartment carpet that costs a a whole months rent when we moved out!

Forget paint brushes, Elliot chose the more natural method of using hands and feet!

I have been teaching Gabby about ROY G BIV.

Our backyard is filled with dragonflies. They pause on the clothesline or the fence. We can get so close I can see detail I didn't know existed, and Gabby has touched their wings in an attempt to capture one! This summer they are abundant, just like one summer I remember as a little girl when I was about 7 I think. I was so captivated by them, flying around us while we enjoyed the water and sun as a family at Lake Samish. I hope my kids have glimpses in their memory of this summer of dragonflies!

Happy 4th Of July!

words.

Yesterday my Mom, Gabby, Elliot and I ate at the Abbey Road Pub and Restaurant after a cranky (Elliot, he has a nasty molar trying to cut through and it is wicked for all of us!) walk along the boardwalk. We were all hungry and Clayton was still fishing out on the pier- more like catching again since he was too busy reeling in fish to talk. My dad was home resting, not really he mowed our lawn, vacuumed the whole house and did the dishes and laundry (like he has during his entire time here!). The hostess got off on a rude note with us, and then when we were trying to order drinks they were out of sierra mist, orange soda and root beer! Remember this is the Friday afternoon of the long 4th of July weekend, and the restaurant is one block off the oceanfront and advertised in all the hotels and coupon books. The waitress came back with my diet coke, a beer for my mom and lemonade for Gabby (Elliot was finally asleep in the stroller). Gabby turned to the waitress and in a little tone said "you don't have much of a menu!"

Things that come out of a 3 year olds mouth.... we have heard that 3 is worse than the terrible twos and are starting to see peeks of it to be true.

Quotes: "you hurt my happy feelings!" "I am SO SAAAAD" "You broke my heart" "I want to be a mom just like you and have children" "it's just my imagination"- as she woke up with a bad dream in the middle of the night. "FINE, then I'm the Princess!" to an older girl at the park who said she was a queen.

Today while on a little walk around our lake we stopped to talk with a Grandmother and her grandson who were taking a break in the shade. The woman it turns out only spoke Portuguese, we were able to have a conversation about how old the kids were, Elliot's blue eyes, how hot it was. Gabby stood there talking random words and jibberish, pretending to be able to talk and understand the language!

Elliot's new "word" is smell. he LOVES to smell things, and wants to smell everything. On our way home from the park he wanted to be lifted to smell the Crepe Myrtle flowers. May come from me letting him smell all things we use to cook or bake with... his favorite is lemons.

The Good Life

Tonight I made the decision that we were headed to the beach! No more talking about what to do for dinner and did we want to go somewhere.... it was PERFECT weather! Cooler than the past two weeks, only 80 or so out. We stopped at KFC and got a picnic dinner and headed to a beach we haven't yet tried out. I think we all loved it! It was late enough that it wasn't busy, the lifeguards were leaving as we got there- but no one had on swimsuits so it wasn't a big deal. We ate, Elliot kept taking off for the water because he is that much of water baby! We stayed an hour and a half or so, hanging out in the sun and sand. Elliot was the only one to get wet- well him and Clay's supervising legs. I took 248 pictures, it was that wonderful and having my parents to help watch the kids I was free to. Oh how I love this life! These two have been together 37 years now!
Quite the surfer beach, lots to see.
There really is no keeping this boy out of the water!
ahhh, I love the beach.

They were chasing after Clayton, what a good dad he is!

FLIRT! She told me she was just telling the surfers to have fun!
My own hair stylist.

Blessed with a crown of curls! somedays it looks more like a helmet.
Beautiful Girl
Jumping with JOY!

Curious boy, not wanting to leave the beach.

Blue eyed boy!
Best Buddies.
LOOK! he really wanted to chase after some dogs.
I can't resist these cute buns.
Handsome Hubby
Beach bum
Water boy, pulling the water jug.
Dancing in panties in the sand, oh to be a kid!
Coppertone Girl

Catching!

Best Buddies
Mr Beach Bum
Can you see the whale?
Chris and his baby shark.
Skate, ewwwww.
Fish Girl!
Clay's first Sea Trout, why he kisses them I'm not sure!
This past weekend we went fishing, but it was more catching than I have ever seen! Within two minutes and two casts, Clay got 2 fish! It continued all afternoon, and what fun it turned out to be! Clayton and Chris were both kept busy by all the different fish sharks that were biting. Elliot and Gabby are not afraid of fish, both will pick one up no problem. I reach for one, it wiggles and I change my mind! We all got lots of sun, had yummy homemade sandwiches complete with your name on the bag (b/c we all like a little different toppings), sand from head to toe and a great day! Oh and there were pilot whales not too far from shore that at first had me questioning if my eyes were playing tricks on me! Beach life is really something I could start to get used to!

Life

Today I am choosing to celebrate LIFE and ALL that it has to offer. My cousin Matt would be 31 years old today. Matt knew how to have fun and didn't care what others thought, plus he didn't let things bother him- those are things I want to be better at. I don't think anyone could forget his laugh! Miss you Matt!

Yesterday we celebrated 65 years of life, my dad had his birthday! I made him runny eggs and toast for breakfast and he got yummy grilled burgers for dinner with a fruit pizza for dessert. I am loving having a house full of family, it makes me wish we lived closer to everyone even more! Chris and Clay get up and go to work early in the morning, my parents, the kids and I are having fun hanging out and then the evenings we all have dinner and talk and play.

The heat has been brutal, and the humidity on top of that makes it even worse! Today was a great day to be at the beach, it didn't feel like the 101 degrees that the car said it was! I got to go out and play in the waves, what a feeling that is. Oh and did I mention there were dolphins in the water too? Elliot is a total beach bum and wouldn't be anywhere but at the waters edge. Gabby on the other hand planted herself on the blanket and wouldn't go near the water. Chris met us there and then went for his run in the sand. Clayton however got stuck at work and didn't get out in time to meet us there, rats! When we got home there was delicious pulled pork in the crock pot waiting for us.

Grandma and Grandpa stayed at the house watching the sleeping kids while the boys and I went down and walked around "beach street USA" also known as the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Lots of little shops, street musicians (paid by the city) jugglers and magicians too. We stayed out ill almost 10pm... I am so not used to being out after dinner! Life is great and I am thankful for all that I have!