Kualoa Ranch Fieldtrip with Trevor

I stood in for Nick on this fieldtrip to the Ranch. It was originally supposed to be 2 weeks ago, but due to the high winds we had, they canceled all the schools, therefore it was rescheduled to today. And...since he is now in Iraq, I went in his place.

It was about a 25 minute bus ride to the North shore. Then, we got off our bus, and onto these very 'lovely' buses with no window to tour the ranch.
It was really sunny!

Trevor and I got to sit in the back!

Here is an old sugar mill that was only in operation for 8 years until they realized the sugar they were producing was too dry.

We drove along a cliff and down into the Kaa'awa Valley where there were TONS of cattle. It was calfing season, so there were a lot of little babies running around.

We also passed a few longhorns along the way.....scary.

There are also old WWII bunkers on their property. That was neat to see.

Here is the view of the ocean out the back of the bus... we could see whale spouts all over. It was so neat. I wish they would have stopped so we could wait for them to surface!

We then got off the buses and walked around to visit some of the animals.
This is WILBER, the enormous pot belly pic, who at first, Trevor refused to go near. But as the rest of his class followed it around like a bunch of ducklings, Trevor finally gave in and pet him. He said "wow, mom...Wilber's really prickly!"

This is FLASH, their best working horse. All the kids got to feed him.

This is FELLA, the oldest spider monkey in captivity ON THIS PLANET! He's 47! We watched him eat bananas.

This picture didn't turn out as good as I was hoping. (thanks to the chain link fence) But you can see the ocean, palm trees and china man's hat in the distance. Just thought it looked funny with the 'ranch' setting in the foreground!

We fed lots of animals, and then had our lunch. Then the kids needed to burn off a little energy before heading back to the school. I don't know how Trevor didn't fall asleep on the way home, but he did take a nice nap once we got home that afternoon!

FINALLY!!!!!!

I finally got a phone call from Nick tonight!!! I have been waiting for days. I know he's been very busy getting settled at work, and trying to cope with the drastic time change.

He was waiting to test up some planes before some expected bad weather was supposed to come in.

He expects to move into his room (can) on the 1st. Things are going good. He's on day shift now.

I 'briefed' him on the kids, and what we had coming up for the upcoming weekend. Then he had to get back to work. I look forward to hearing from him again soon!

I also posted a list of items he said he and maybe some of the other marines might need. The list is on the left sidebar of the blog. I'll do my best to keep it updated for any of you who are wondering what he would like or need!

Happy Birthday Meridith "Brookie"

Yesterday was my sister's 20th birthday!!! And although she claims to have NO FRIENDS here, I still tried to make it a special day.

I got her a membership to 24 Hour Fitness, made her some chocolate dipped strawberries, bananas and fresh pineapple.. (because I could do it for a fraction of the price that Edible Arrangements charges)

And then we went out to eat at Zia's. Our favorite italian restaurant. Alaina and Andrew Ladner joined us for dinner.

Meridith got to chose a free birthday dessert, so she got the always yummy Spumoni Ice Cream Cake.

After dinner, we all came back to play American Idol on the Wii. The kiddos even played along!

Baking GALS Round 6 - Baking for Captain Turner

This round of Baking GALS (Give A Little Support) I am hosting Nick for my marine to receive all sorts of goodies!

It's just in time for Valentine's Day, so join the team and let's send him some love!

Go to www.bakinggals.com,

register,

then click on JOIN A ROUND 6 TEAM,

then scroll down to TEAM UGLY ANGEL.

(Or, just email me for the info)

I'll send you his mailing address, along with any ideas or favorites he likes.

SHIPPING DATES ARE BETWEEN FEB. 7- FEB. 21!
If you send them early, he'll get them in time for Valentine's Day!!!!

Addison Using A Fork

Addison has finally figured out the art of using silverware! Instead of just holding the fork in one hand while shoving food in her mouth with her other hand, she now uses the fork appropriately!

Quick Update

Just got a quick email from Nick. They aren't in their rooms yet, but plans to get to move in on the 1st. He is rooming with Drew Ladner. They have acquired a fridge and a TV from a friend in the previous squadron, so that is great!

Nick starts flying tomorrow! He said the next couple weeks will by busy as they get into a routine! I look forward to a phone call from him soon! I haven't heard his voice in several days!

They do have the option to get internet in their rooms, but have heard that the quality is not that great. He and Drew may try it out to see how it is. It will be nice to be able to have that! We'll see!

That's all I know for now!

Nick's New Email Address & An Update

Nick's email address during the deployment is:

nicholas.turner@aa.mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil

I finally got an email from him tonight saying they were in Al Asad, but living in tents for the next 5 days until HMH-363, the squadron they are replacing, moves out and heads home. After that, they should be able to move into their 'rooms'.

They are all struggling to adjust to the time difference, but I'm sure they'll get there soon! Nick said they all tried to stay awake that first day, but ended up taking a long nap and then slept longer than they planned. Nick woke up at 0230 (am)!