Heading to Maryland???

I've been in touch with my detailer this week since it's just over a year before I'm done at COMCARSTRKGRU NINE.  Seems early to most, but in my community if you're not all over this a year ahead, then you're behind.  We ended up looking at 3 possible jobs--one in San Diego and the other two in the DC metro area.  We'd been hoping to head to the east coast to be near family (and the boat life is more our speed there!), so I focused there.  After considering commutes, jobs, and the prospect of having people again, I asked to have an XO job at the Naval Ice Center in Suitland, Maryland.  Next step?  Wait to hear if I'll get it! 

A few chores...

Today was a BEAUTIFUL day!  However, since Katreina has a friend's birthday party tonight and her own tomorrow, we're not underway.  We did go on a nice long paddle in the kayaks this morning though and spent the early afternoon doing some chores.  Mine?  Cleaning the year's growth off the dinghy!

Our big girl is 4!

The title says it all...Happy Birthday, munchkin!  We had a mini-celebration tonight since her party is Sunday.  She chose to go out to eat at the "cheese quesadilla place" which is also known as El Paraiso.  They surprised her there with a birthday song!  Back home she got lots of clothes and gear for baby Sophia, an outfit, a loud music player, and a new game for her Leapster.  Good times!

Lonnnnnggggggg night

So I'm on watch right now, in the wee hours of Sunday morning, a Sunday that I hope to spend with my kids since I'm on travel this week.  I'm so crazy tired right now that I really hope I can even manage the drive home at 0700. 

Today, or I guess yesterday now, was pretty fun.  After a pancake breakfast, Simon, a friend's 6-month old, came over to spend some time with us so his parents could make a brunch date.  He was so cute and it was fun to have a baby around!

I didn't sleep hardly at all before this watch, and my triple latte is wearing off.  I just want to make it to breakfast at Kate's and then through the morning so I can collapse at nap time!!!!

A little cleaning

So when we got back today we decided to give the anchor locker a good cleaning.  Trent was napping, but Katreina wanted to help so I turned the windlass controls over to her and I manned the hose.  She did a great job letting out all 100 feet of chain plus about 60 of rode, then she brought it all up while I sprayed the mud off.  I love having a helper!

  

After we finished I was just going to spray the boat down real quick to get the salt water off, but the lady insisted that we use the "scrubber."  Who am I to argue?  She did a great job!