Penn State Chics Dig Nerds

This morning, the Stennis came into port after a 7 1/2 month deployment to the Middle East. This is only the second time that I got to witness an aircraft carrier homecoming in the 4 1/2 years that I have lived here. Unfortunately, we got there a little late, so we did not get a side view of the aircraft carrier. But, you can still see all of the sailors lining the deck (if you click on the picture, it gets bigger). The carrier is now in for an overhaul. Jesse will be working on the aircraft elevator PLC's . Here is a picture of the Stennis out in the Pacific Ocean surrounded by their battle group. (No, I didn't take this picture!)

Natalee is enjoying spending time with her Grandpa Yoder. He is babysitting while Lindsay goes to two teacher inservice days. So, they are getting some quality time together.

I, Natalee, am 6 weeks old today. I thought I'd share a little about myself. This is where I love to be...... ....in my Mommy's arms. Of course, I love to be in my Daddy's arms, too! After all, we have a lot in common. I am losing some of my hair just like Daddy is! Ugh, Mom, did you have to take this action shot? (it was accidentally taken -- nice timing, huh?)

Last night, at Bible Study, we sat the two youngsters next to each other for some pictures. Sometimes I think that Kayli doesn't know what to think of Natalee! (Kayli is 11 months old and Natalee is now 5 weeks old) Bible Study is definitely a lot different, fun, and interesting now that there are two young children involved! In other news, I was sad last Friday because the city actually came out and did some cleaning up on our street. Normally, I would have been very happy that they did this (since I've only seen it one other time in the four years I've lived here). However, right as the blackberries across the street were getting ready to be picked, they cut a lot of them down! I didn't realize there was a curb over there because it was always covered by brush. Now, three of my four supply areas have been recently trimmed. They could have at least waited until my supply of blackberries were picked....

They went home yesterday, but I put more pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/lindsayhonn/MumAuntLoisVisit

Yesterday, Mum, Aunt Lois and I took Natalee on her very first hike. We went into Olympic National Park to Hurricane Ridge. I chose this hike so that I could push the jogging stroller on the path. Natalee looked so cute and cozy in her stroller while sitting amongst the purple Harebells. "Don't stop moving!!!" Most of the time, we had a fairly nice view of the Olympic Mountains..... ....until the fog came rolling in. After a few minutes, it would disappear again. But, it only took about 5 seconds for the fog to totally engulf us again. Unfortunately, while at the top of the ridge, we could not see down into the Puget Sound or the Cascade Mountains -- it was all fogged in. This deer wasn't afraid of us at all.

Isn't she such a cutie? Grammy has an easy job here! Aunt Lois and Natalee play on the floor

This week, Grammy Yoder and Aunt Lois came to visit us and meet Natalee. So far, they have been spoiling both me and Natalee by cooking, cleaning, and loving us.

I found a website that will take any picture of you and make you into a Simpson like cartoon character. www. simpsonizeme.com You need a nice straight on head shot and about 10 minutes of free time.

We went to NAD (former Naval Ammunitions Depot) Park in Bremerton to play disc golf. Actually, Mike and Jesse played while Lindsay and Meg walked along with Natalee. Natalee sits in the pouch. She falls asleep every time. It is nice to be able to wear some "normal" clothes again. Jesse throws.....and makes the putt. We saw this big slug. I should have put my hand by it for reference. It was probably 5 inches long or so.

We love this stroller. It is a jogging stroller that actually allows you to put an infant in it. It has been wonderful for me! It isn't the best picture because it was starting to get dark. Natalee loves to go for walks, too -- just as long as you keep moving. No stopping! Wednesday evening, Natalee, Meg, and I walked down the street and picked a bowl of blackberries -- my first of the season. This is the first place that I've seen them ready. Meg hasn't noticed the berries on the bushes yet (she likes to pluck them off of the bushes and eat them). I love blackberries with milk on them -- is this Pennsylvania Dutch??? Blackberry bushes are EVERYWHERE out here. They are a HUGE problem. So, while I try to keep them out of my yard, I take advantage of free berries everywhere around me. They are some of the best tasting berries I have ever had. It is a shame they are such a wild, out of control problem. Of course, I didn't have much time to pick these berries because Natal...