Much needed getaway

Life hasn't been easy for about 2 years now.  TJ's schedule is insane.  We can never plan anything.  I've never seen anyone work so much!  And it's not like he has a choice in the matter either.  The military isn't like a normal job with normal hours.  I don't know how he is still functioning - I would have thrown in the towel long ago.  But, we did find out at the last minute that he would have Memorial Weekend off - wahoo!!  He had been flying so many weekends, I don't really remember when he had a day off, so it was just so exciting to know he had 3 WHOLE DAYS OFF! 

We decided we wanted to go to Destin for the weekend.  I've never seen more beautiful beaches than on the Gulf Coast.  The only problem was everything was booked.  But, we found a steal of a deal that only cost us an arm and a leg and we were off!  It was worth it.  The kids had a blast and we did too.

The first jump into the gulf - we didn't waste anytime.  As soon as we arrived we threw on our swimsuits and off we went.  The waves were a little rough.

 We spent 2 glorious days laying on the sand and playing in the water.  The last day was spent at the pool trying to get all the salt off us.

 Isn't that turquoise water exquisite??!!

 We let the kids do any activity they wanted.  This was the European bungee jump thingy.

 Then they decided they wanted to do the zip line.  I was a little nervous as I watched my two most precious possessions climb all the way to the top and jump off a building...but they had a blast.

 Brena kickin' back enjoying her post zip line treat - I can't get over those long legs of hers!  I wonder where she gets those from??!!

 My sweet boy who is happiest on vacation.

 The firework show!

What a glorious weekend it was!  It's sad to think that next Memorial weekend we will be without our daddy once again.

Tyler earns his Bobcat

Tyler earned his Bobcat at the pack meeting tonight along with his nutrition pin and belt loop.  He loves scouts! 

 The tradition is for your dad to hold you upside down and shake you when you earn your Bobcat.  Well, of course TJ is never around, so there was another father who volunteered to do that one because there is no way I could lift that kid and shake him!!

We had a fun pack meeting on staying healthy and eating healthy.  What a fun night it was!

 Push up station - go Tyler!

 Sit up station.  I think he was moving his neck more than sitting up.

Change of Command

I love the NAVY.  Sometimes I don't like the life, but I do love the NAVY.  I love all the traditions, the pride I feel whenever I see our flag, or my husband in his uniform - which lucky me is every day :) 

One of the traditions we got to participate in this week was a Change of Command.  In the P3 world, this happens every year.  It's a big deal.  Last year it happened on deployment, so the families at home didn't get to participate.  This was actually my first Change of Command.  I loved it.  I actually cried.  Just seeing the flags, all the military members in uniform, the band playing our National Anthem, and listening to the speeches really makes me appreciate all the sacrifices the military makes. 

A Change of Command is when the XO - the Executive Officer - takes over as the CO - the Commanding Officer of the squadron.  Then the old CO leaves and goes to a new command.  In our case, our CO will be going to the Air Force War College in Alabama. 

It all started Thursday night when the outgoing CO and his wife hosted a pre-change of command social.  It was at the gorgeous Jacksonville Yacht Club.  The CO and his wife were presented with some gifts and we enjoyed eating and talking with other squadron members and their significant others. 

Then, Friday morning was the Change of Command.  This was held in VP-26's hangar with their planes on display.  The CO, XO, and another distinguished guest spoke.  It was all very moving.

Then, Friday night we had the new CO host the Change of Command party.  It was so much fun.  All the food was just amazing.  They had some company come that had gambling tables - we were given $10,000 in fake money and got to "gamble" with it.  We had craps tables, roulette, blackjack and something else.  I couldn't stay away from the roulette table.  I had a blast playing with that fake money!  I've never gambled and now I know why - because I couldn't stop!  What a wonderful weekend!  Too bad the next change of command will happen on deployement! 

Oh, and the other reason I love all these events - I get a new dress for each one :)

The band:

 The color guard:

 The outgoing CO speaking:

 VP-26 hangar and one of their planes:

 Us :)  I sure love seeing my hunk in his dress whites!!

14 years!

Happy 14 year anniversary to us!  Because of TJ's crazy work schedule, we really don't get to celebrate things much around here.  But, we did have some fun reminiscing about the past and our wonderful lives together.  I'm looking forward to next year, because we might actually be able to make some plans and finally get to do something I've been wanting to do forever!

Brena loves to hear our story of how we met, and for a while I was having to tell it to her every night.  I love being in love, being married, and our crazy life together - even if the NAVY does control every aspect of it!