Grand Canyon Hike

John, being such a great planner, began organizing a Grand Canyon hike a year ago.  Joe and Pops were excited to hike and with Phyllis kindly offering her babysitting services, I too was on board. This was my first time to the Grand Canyon and what a exceptional way to experience this wonder! We spent six hours hiking the South Kaibab Trail to the bottom of the canyon.  We then spent the night at the Phantom Ranch in the bunk rooms.  Being at the Ranch felt like being at summer camp, only the food was way better!  The next morning we hiked seven hours up to the rim on the Bright Angel Trail.  Couldn't have asked for better weather or a more gorgeous, enjoyable hike.  Megan

Alaska Bound

Big news in our house!  John received an email several weeks ago recruiting Coast Guard Pilots to rotate early for a three year tour in Kodiak, Alaska.  After a week of going back and forth about whether to apply, we decided to go for it.  John applied and was accepted--we leave late winter!  It is a great move for John's career with the Coast Guard, and also has many benefits for the kids and myself.  Adventure awaits!  Megan

Sicktober

Last October was spent wiping noses and sadly this October seems to be going that same way.  Tonight I find myself at the ER with Lydia for an ear infection.  The upside is a pleasant dinner catered by McDonalds.  Megan

Oma's Pumpkin Patch

A break in hot temps is really helping us get into the Autumn-spirit.  I even took the kids to Oma's Pumpkin Patch Tuesday afternoon.  Lydia, being a maze-enthusiast, got a kick out of the hay bale maze.  Jack enjoyed petting the goats.  The highlight of the visit was witnessing the birth of a calf on a hayride through the working dairy farm.  Megan

Happy Birthday John!

John is 36 years old today!  We celebrated yesterday (because he has duty today) by heading out of the city 60 miles to the Pacific Coast Railway Museum.  John had stumbled upon the museum during a motorcycle ride and requested to check it out.  What a little jewel!  We took a one hour, 12 mile ride on the train, which was so picturesque.  The train was actually used in the Pearl Harbor movie years ago.  Gorgeous train, gorgeous ride through the countryside, gorgeous children.  Happy Birthday John!  Megan

Donut Run

Our house is about a third of a mile from a shopping center.  When we first moved in, I was excited to walk to a bakery specializing in cinnamon rolls.  Unfortunately the owners didn't give me the warm and fuzzy when the kids would take the place by storm.  Next we tried the restaurant across the street.  Nice but a little slow and pricey.  In the past six months we have fallen in love with the donut shop. Not too fancy or pricey.  The owners welcome little sticky fingers.  When we mention "donut," Jack heads for his stroller and Lydia her bike, ready for a dozen glazed donut holes.  Megan

Miramar Air Show

Lydia played hooky this afternoon so that John could take her to the Miramar Air Show, where they met up with Mike and Jake.  Headgear, loud jets, funnel cakes and cool breezes - the afternoon was a treat for all.  Megan

My Cheerleader

Lydia has become my little cheerleader.  "Mommy is number 1!!!"  She cheers me on as I return to the mundane chores of cleaning house and folding laundry.  Megan