Nights @ The Beach

Last week we spent two nights with my friend Jenni and her kids at the beach!

It was the BEST idea too! No harsh sun, no need for sunscreen......just ideal!

And as a bonus we got to eat dinner there and watch the sun go down!

 Nothing like a happy meal at a happy place!

 Miss Maddy had a HUGE breakthrough at the beach this night!!!!

And I mean HUGE!!!!

She went in the ocean on her own for the FIRST TIME EVER--without kicking & screaming!!!!

Normally she despises the waves and water combo, but on this night she got brave, tried it out, and decided it wasn't so bad afterall!

I LOVE watching her overcome her fears and try new things. Its the definite upside of her stubbornness!

 Alyssa & Abby hamming it up for Jenni's camera

 Pretending to be life guards! Beach Bums!!

USS Eissenhower- Update

And in case you've been wondering what the ship has been up to lately......here is a recent publication:

Eisenhower, CVW-7 Commence OEF Missions

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Story Number: NNS120809-11Release Date: 8/9/2012 12:55:00 PM

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By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), began flying the first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Aug. 9.

These missions will provide direct support to coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan. The support includes electronic warfare, close-air support, airborne command and control, and reconnaissance.

"Air-support missions are intended to degrade terrorist activities, diminish the influence of the Taliban and improve security to encourage economic prosperity in the region," said Capt. Samuel J. Paparo, CVW-7 commander. "We bring a wide range of capabilities to coalition forces in Afghanistan and take pride in the fact that we are working with them to establish security and stability there. Every squadron has trained thoroughly for these missions, and now it is time to execute."

Since 2009, U.S. Navy aircraft have averaged about 5,000 close-air support missions per year in support of OEF.

Eisenhower joins the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), which has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility since April.

While air support will be the primary focus in support of OEF, Eisenhower and other CSG surface ships can also achieve a robust set of missions in support of regional maritime security.

"Our mission is to set the conditions for economic prosperity, which encompasses ensuring maritime security of all commercial sea lanes," said Rear Adm. Michael Manazir, commander, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. "The versatility of our capabilities and vitality of our Sailors allows us to be flexible and agile at all times."

Manazir stressed how critical every Sailor of the carrier strike group is to mission success, from flight deck personnel, to the pilots, to the engineers.

"Everyone has a role and everyone does it exceptionally well," said Manazir. "I am extremely proud of the Sailors that compose this strike group and I am certain that each will perform at the highest caliber possible."

CVW-7 is composed of the "Bluetails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121, the "Patriots"of Electronic Attach Squadron 140, the "Rampagers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, the "Wildcats" VFA 131, the "Puking Dogs" of VFA 143, and the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 5.

Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

Mike.....Week's 4-7 Out to Sea

Well, while the girls and I were away, Mike continued work as usual aboard the ship.

Here are some photos he shared from their port call visit to Rhodes, Greece.

 Visiting some ruins

Quality Family Time

Wonderful week spent with my mom and sisters!

 And great memories made with the girls on our trek far away from home!

And finally......Reiss time!

 And of course we got a lot of quality time with the girls Great-Grandparents!!

The weather couldn't have been more beautiful while we were there too!

One morning we headed down to the fountains to dip our feet and watch the show

 Another day we headed to the cliffs for an organized "kid hike" put on by the local conservancy group.

Abby is ALL about nature these days so it was right up her alley!! The theme was "How a Flower Grows", so they got to learn the growth process from seed to flower! There was story time, an activity and even a craft along the hike.

 Great Grandpa Bob showing Maddy what was over the cliff edge

 Story time with the nature people

Seeding activity--the kids got to take seeds, squish them into clay, and toss them off the edge of the bluff's in an attempt to help rebuild the plant growth for the endangered butterfly in the area.

 Craft time!! Watercolor painting by the sea!!

 Our last day together we headed up to Los Angeles to a kids museum!

 And this is the END of our trip! 

We made the BIG trek back to Virginia, and have been unpacking and relaxing ever since!

It was a FABULOUS trip and we made so many wonderful memories!!

Back to San Pedro-Henderson/Fujimoto Visit

So at this point, I'm sure you are wondering when this crazy trip will ever end?? 

From here, there were still 4 more days left!!

We got to visit with my Grandpa Jerry and Grandma Helen for a nice dinner.

 And a few days later Brenda & Sheila came up to San Pedro to see us for the afternoon!

We headed to Grandpa Jerry's for an afternoon swim!

 Here's Maddy giving Sheila her "hmmmm" look

Good OLD Friends!!

 Another treat during my visit to San Diego and Los Angeles, were impromptu visits with two of my closest old high school friends! I met up with Katherine and her son in San Diego, and had lunch with Nathan in San Pedro! What a treat!!

Amy's San Diego

Even though we got to spend five days with Amy & Adam in Tahoe, I have never been to Amy's new condo in San Diego. So she and Adam took an afternoon off work and we headed to Mission Bay to let the kids run around and swim! It was a wonderful and relaxing visit. Afterwards we got cleaned up at her place, then headed across the street to PETCO Park Stadium, where the kids played at a small playground, then out to dinner for pizza!

 Amy and Adam gave them PLENTY of attention!!

 And they were sporting their new outfits and TOMS shoes courtesy of stylista Aunt Amy!