The Funnies

Steve said they had 6 cartoonists on the ship; one of them was the guy who does "Family Circus" and another one does the Navy cartoon "Broadside". They also had FOX news media there and a few others.

Dismal Swamp State Park

During a recent conversation I had with Yasuko we both agreed that we were in the need of some nature in our lives. We had the need to be amongst the trees, fresh air and could use a good hike. So, with this being said, we made plans to go to the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center in North Carolina. This was Yasuko and Yuki's first time there and they both enjoyed it very much. However, before proceeding with our hike we started out with a picnic lunch under the trees in front of the beautiful canal. The water was so still, it was like looking at a gigantic mirror.

Once we got fueled up with food, we hit the trails. However, after crossing the canal bridge we came across the information building and decided to check it out. Steve and I have been inside before to get answers for a cache we did. It's a fantastic place for children to learn about the local wildlife and the swamp in general. After gaining some knowledge, we finally started what we came there to do...hike! The first trail we ventured on was the boardwalk. This is my personal favorite. It well shaded and I love the different kinds of plants located in the area. Yasuko even pointed out an abundance of Japanese basil that they use for cooking.

 

After completing our first trail, we decided to check out another one close by. We didn't make it down the trail very far though because it was much more enclosed and it was muddy. We did, however, make a cool discovery while on the trail. We found a paw paw patch and some grapes growing nearby. Yasuko opened up one of the paw paws and it smelled similar to bananas. So, we returned once more to the main grounds of the park where we had a little snack and let the kids rest a bit while Yasuko and I chatted. It was such an amazing day; definitely a perfect day for a hike.

So, we eventually got back on track again and started up our hike one more time. This time, we hit yet another trail. This trail is part of a much larger trail that starts in Maine. Steve, Tyler and I completed the entire Dismal Swamp section of it in Virginia while caching. It is an old paved section of highway. You may recall that I also took my mom here for a walk when she came to visit last month. Anyway, along the kids wanted to stop to sit on a bench and while we were there, Yasuko noticed some bamboo growing. She told us that she used to make boats out of the leaves. The next thing I knew she picked some of the leaves and demonstrated how to make this awesome boat. We each had a boat that we kept until we came to the bridge on the trail. Then we dtopped our boats in the water and watched as they floated down the stream, under the bridge, and through to the other side. At this point, it was starting to get late in the day and so, we decided it was best to head back to the car. What an incredible afternoon we had though. Both Yasuko and I both agreed it was definitely what we needed. The boys wore themselves out with all the hiking. We promised we would try our best to do it again someday soon. Tyler and I are very much looking forward to it. 

Meet the Teacher

Tonight we attended 'Meet the Teacher' at Tyler's school. This year we were very excited to hear we got Mrs. Liakos for First Grade. She was received the award 'Teacher of the Year' last year. Tonight each of the kids found their seats and received a treat bag from her that included Play-Doh, a bookmark, crayons and a pencil. Tyler also found out that 3 of his classmates from Kindergarten are in his class this year. The Teacher's Assistant I met last year at Field Day and I can honestly say she is one of the sweetest people I have ever met in my life. I think this is going to be a great school year.



Sadly, our pool days are coming to an end soon.

Smellicious

What a sweet birthday surprise I got in the mail today from one of my best friends. Christine sent me a box full of decadent teas that if they taste even half as good as they smell, then they will be absolutely incredible. I love my tea and I just can't wait to start brewing some of these. Tonight, I may just have to break into these and enjoy a nice relaxing rainy night with a hot cup of delicious tea. Yum!!!

Weekend At the Playground

With the weather being a mix of thunder showers and sunny periods, we spent the majority of our weekend at Tyler's favorite park. It is close by in case it started to rain and had to make a mad dash home. It is a perfect place for him to run, play and have fun doing things 6 year old boys do.



 

He gave me a peach with a note attached and a lei to wear. He is always doing sweet things like this for me.

Some Privacy, Please

So, today Steve and his buddies got a very cool private booth to do their webcamming and catching up with their families. It came with a cool curtain for privacy and inside was a television, and comfy benches to sit on. Tyler and I chatted most of the day with Dad. We heard the other guys talk to their wives and children. We even got to eat some meals together which meant a lot to us since that is usually one of the loneliest times during the day not having him around. Unfortunately, today was the last day for their port call. As always, it was hard to say goodbye, but this time was especially difficult because when Steve said to Tyler that the next time we get to see him on the computer he will have started first grade already, Tyler looked at me so sad and said that he won't be able to see him next time because school will be all day. :( This just broke my heart. Please pray that the time goes by quickly so we can have him home again with us soon and we be all together again.



Sand Sledding

Sadly, our summer days will be soon coming to an end. Today we were invited by our friends to join in some fun at the beach. We haven't made many trips to the beach this year, so we took it all in now to make up for lost time. First, the children played at the adjacent playground for awhile and then we moved things to the beach. We found a nice shady spot under the pier to hang out while the kids discovered it was fun to sled down the sand dune. And of course, there was lots of splashing in the waves and playing in the sand. Overall, it was a wonderful day with our friends.

Chat and Cappos

I had one very happy boy today after he got to talk to his dad most of the day. Tyler had fun demonstrating to Dad the Geo Trax layout he designed himself. Today was Day 2 of Steve's Port Call in Bahrain. After he checked out of his hotel this morning he went to the mall and grabbed a seat for a couple of cappos and chat with the family. He did a little shopping and dinner and then returned to the fancy cafe for more coffee and a little more chat with us. Tomorrow, however, he returns back to work. Boooo :(  

Back in Bahrain

Steve is finally back in port again after a long 6 weeks on the ship. This time they returned to Bahrain. Today he went to the base, ate lunch at a buffet and headed to the hotel where he chatted with Tyler and I for a few hours. He'll stay overnight at there where he can unwind and get a good night's sleep. Tyler and I were super happy to see and talk to him again. It seemed like such a long time since the last time. Tyler was so excited to show him the space in his mouth where his first tooth came out. This deployment is definitely dragging on, but with days like today it helps us get by. 

Tyler Does the Darndest Things

Pizza Man

10 Wonderful Years

Today is our 10th wedding anniversary. This morning Steve sent this photo to me; I really didn't even remember this one. LOL Along with the photo, he wrote the most beautiful words celebrating our love together. Even though, we didn't have today together, we know that we have the rest of our lives to celebrate our very happy marriage. There is not a day that I'm thankful to God for giving me such a loving, wonderful, caring husband. I am truly blessed. 

Swimming Graduation

Tyler's had his last swim class for awhile. His instructor wanted to move up to the Polliwog/Guppy level, however we are just going to take a break for now. School will be starting soon and I want it to be an easy transition into the new year for him. Perhaps when we're back on schedule and Tyler wants to continue his swimming lessons, then we'll go back. He did a great job and I am so very proud of my little swimmer!!!

Mad About Science

This week Tyler started Science Camp. Yesterday was his first day and when I picked him up he talked the whole way home about what they did. Today he told me he loves science camp and he wished it was longer. I had a feeling when I signed him up he would probably take a liking to it. When he was in Pre-K he was given the "Most Scientific" award in his class. It's too bad the camp is booked up for the remainder of the summer. Next year if we are still here, I'll definitely sign him up for more than just one week. I'm so happy he loves it so much.

Steve Update: The second highest ranking officer in the United States Navy, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Ferguson III, was aboard the Enterprise today. They sure have seen their share of VIPs since February on the ship. Tomorrow proves to be another busy day with a Change of Command.

It's My Birth Day

Somehow another year has gone by and it's that day again, my birthday. My birthday officially started by receiving a nicely written birthday e-mail from my husband. Then Tyler had planned on making me breakfast in bed, however he was a sleepy head this morning and I ended up waking him up. We actually had to get up a little earlier today because it was his first day of camp. Anyway, he insisted on continuing on with his plan of making breakfast but instead I ate it at his little table. He made me the most delicious peanut butter sandwich. It was a terrific way to start my birthday. He also said I had to wear his piggy visor. LOL

After dropping Tyler off at camp, I decided to treat myself to a cappuccino. I ate it outside in the nice warm sun. Once I finished my cappo, I decided to go shopping. I browsed through a few stores, but didn't really find anything that I needed. My friends, Dawn and Heather, phoned and asked if I had any birthday plans which I didn't. I had been so busy last week with problems with one of the cars that I didn't even give it a thought. So they insisted on taking me out for a birthday lunch at one of their favorite sushi/hibachi restaurants. Heather has been telling me about this place for 2 years and so finally I got to see what the hype was about and I must say I was totally impressed. The food was awesome. They not only treated me to a lovely lunch, but also gave a bunch of yummy smelly stuff from one of my favorite stores, Bath and Body Works. Afterwards we took the kids to the park where they played for hours while we talked. They totally made my day extra special. I am very blessed to have them in my life. Thank you to my mom who sent Tyler money to treat me to dinner. We will use the money and go out and celebrate again one of these nights. And thank you to all you have send me text messages, e-mails, Face Book messages, cards, and e-card greetings. You are all wonderful. I love you all.

Collision

It's been a busy past few days for Steve and his crew. Check out another mishap involving one of the destroyers in same group of ships that is traveling with Steve's. Thank goodness there were no injuries. It could have been much worse. Read about it here and please keep Steve's and the rest in your daily prayers.

The Tooth Fairy Came!!!

This morning he woke me up at 6am. He said he wanted me to check with him to see whether the Tooth Fairy came. It was sooo sweet of him to wait for me. Check out the video. I love his reaction.
Click here.

FINALLY!!!

There is one super happy boy here after losing his very first tooth tonight. He had been waiting for this moment for approximately two years now after seeing most of his friends lose one or more of their teeth. Whenever we would go on vacation, he would always pack his little tooth case (given to him by my friend, Rhonda) just in case he lost a tooth while we were gone. LOL I wish I recorded the excitement on his face when that tooth came out. It was priceless!!! As soon as I took this photo, he ran to his room and put the case under his pillow in preparation for tonight.
Steve Update: You can read about my friend Larissa's ship, USS James E. Williams, that rescued some Iranians yesterday from a ship that caught on fire. They were later flown to Steve's ship. Click here for the article.

Super Swimmer & Super Smiler

Tyler did extremely well in swim class tonight. He swam the whole length of the pool by himself which is a pretty large pool. He was the only one in his class to make it the entire way without stopping. I was super excited and very proud of him!!! Of course, I didn't get a photo because I was without my camera and phone. Augh! That's always the way.
In other Smith News, here is a photo taken this morning of Steve and a few of his guys in his department, along with the Captain of the ship and the Public Affairs Officer. The guy sitting in the Captain's chair was awarded Sailor of the Day. I was just so happy to see my husband's smiling face today. It brighten up my entire day.

I Spy

Nanny and Tyler love to do the 'I Spy' books together. Tonight, Tyler and I made our own version. See if you can find: A blue band, 3 rats, 2 snakes, a piece of cheese, a hat, a windup, 11 dinosaurs, and a penguin.

Secretary of the Navy

The Secretary of the Navy left the Enterprise this morning. Here are some photos from his visit. You may recall Steve previously met him in New York a few years ago when he was on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. 

First Loose Tooth!!!

Well, it's about time!!! The other day he said his tooth was sore. We thought perhaps it was the another tooth pushing up underneath it. This morning we confirmed our suspicions when we discovered that Tyler has his very first loose tooth. Meanwhile most of his friends has either lost theirs or even their second. Tyler was super excited to learn that the Tooth Fairy may be visiting soon. He kept asking me all day today whether I wanted to wiggle his tooth. LOL
Steve Update: Busy, busy day for him and his shipmates. The Secretary of the Navy was aboard. His department was busy getting stories and photos. You can read more here.

Crazy About Crepes

My absolute favorite breakfast is crepes. My first experience with them was in high school and ever since I had been completely hooked. Every once in awhile I get a craving for them and so I must to get my fill. It wasn't until I started making them this time when I realized it had been way too long since I made my own.Tyler helped me prepare them for the pan and did a really good job. They tasted incredible. We had them with whipped cream and fresh raspberries and blueberries. I think it may be Tyler's new favorite breakfast now too.

Smile, Everyone!

Here's a couple of group photos of everyone who works in Steve's department, including himself. In the first photo, he is to the right in the back row with a cell phone and his laptop. LOL In the more serious photo, he is in the front row, second last to the right.

Tyler Says the Darndest Things

When Tyler was taking a bath tonight I asked him if he had washed himself yet. He replied by saying, "No, but I washed the wall." LOL

Caterpillar Buddy

While at the pool today, Tyler and his friend found a new buddy to hang out with-a caterpillar. LOL Both boys made a house for it out a rocks. Tyler included a leaf so that the caterpillar could have a bathroom. LOL They talked to the caterpillar and walked it around the pool area on a leaf. Then Tyler got the idea of putting it in his swim goggles and had it floating in the pool. LOL What will they think of next?! Anyway, Tyler was very sad to have to say goodbye it his new buddy when we had to leave. Hopefully the caterpillar made his grand escape and is far far away to a safe place. God only knows what those boys had planned for it for tomorrow. LOL
Steve Update: Well, we are sad to say that Steve did not get promoted this year. In his rate it's a tough competition and I'm sure politics have a lot to do with it. Steve is fine with the decision either way, and there is always next year. I am always so proud of him no matter what. He is enjoying his new position as "boss" however. He said it is fun to be boss, especially when you can get stuff done and people are happy about it.

August

When Tyler did his calendar for the month of August, he drew a picture of me, Steve, and Tyler having a birthday party since it's my birthday month. He drew a table of cupcakes and gifts. One of the presents was huge, I asked him what was inside and his reply was that it was snow skis from Daddy. LOL Too cute!!!