San Diego

After what seemed like months of talk and planning we finally were able to schedule a Thomas day in sunny San Diego. We started the morning with the USS Midway. As we strolled around the main floor we came across the torpedo cabin. The cabin is covered with plexi glass for viewing the torpedo several decks below. Now I was with mother and sister in law and nephews while the men had disappeared. For those brave enough, you could stand and walk on top the glass. I fearlessly went across, while my family anxiously watched with terrified faces. My youngest nephew was curious, but quite afraid. I picked Nolan up and leaned over to look down. As I did this, he squeezed me so tight he practically choked me. With Nolan in my arms we went to stand in the middle on the see-through cover and then walked right across. Because I was brave, he was brave. Both nephews got more comfortable with the idea, and joined in with me, holding my hand. When the men returned, they too followed suite, but the women still chickened out (sorry ladies).

We began our tour of the aircraft carrier on the flight deck. We viewed the restored aircraft, bridge, and flight control station. While on the deck, we also saw several jets take off and a large fishing boat with birds flocking it's wake as it made it's way into port. As I explained to Nolan that the birds were following the boat so they could eat some of the fish he says to me "those birds are REALLY hungry" or something to that effect; it was hilarious. As we walked off the deck he yells "fire in the hole," apparently his new favorite saying. During our tour below ship we especially enjoyed the cafeteria. We were lucky to run into a guide there who was one of the cooks on the ship. It was amazing to hear his first hand experience and to learn the process of feeding a city. He said for Thanksgiving they generally cooked over 250 turkeys, 80 hams, and dozens of pies, can you imagine? Daily they used leftovers for a midnight buffet and the crew's favorite meal was lasagna.

up high
and down below

Unfortunately, my sister in law Jen, took an awful tumble down steep stairs. She ended up having to be escorted out of the ship while Jay's parents and us wrangled our very worried nephews through the rest of one of the floors of the ship. We learned that, that particular staircase is the only one tourists fall on, and that just a week prior someone had fallen and ended up with a very badly broken ankle. The very wheelchair that Jen was taken away in, was donated by someone who had fallen those same stairs. We're thankful Jen was able to make it out without medical assistance, and continue to enjoy the rest of the day's festivities.

We didn't have the time for lunch before our next adventure, but thank goodness Nana (Jay's mom) had packed snacks and drinks, because they became our lunch. After our tail gate lunch, we gathered the troops and headed to Montgomery Field airport so Jay and his dad could take their birthday bi-plane ride. It was such an exciting experience to watch them take off and land and to hear about their fun adventure. The bi-plane the boys took had an identical twin that took off about the same time. The boys were able to parallel the plane which made for great footage. The other couple exchanged emails so they could exchange their pictures (we're still waiting for them to send their picts!). We were happy that they didn't take the plane that left after them, for we saw it take off and immediately land at least three times due to mechanical malfunctions. We felt sorry for the couple in that plane, hopefully they get a refund! When the guys returned, their smiles where from ear to ear.

Enjoy both picture and video.

ready for take off

Kellen and his Matrix moves
the identical twin bi-plane
taxiing the runway


taking off


the identical bi-plane








The View of Del Mar Race Track- an actual horse race was that day. Jay reports they were able to see not only people in the stands, but the horses and riders at the gate waiting for the "go" for the races to begin.
This is a cross on a hill.




descent and coming in for landing


taxiing back to the gate
Kellen was the first to spot the plane from the air coming in for landing. We met up to welcome the crew back.
Thanking the pilot for a safe birthday adventure.
Thumbs up for a GREAT birthday present

Post ship and plane we met up with Julie and Matt (aka bride and groom) in Old Town for a Mexican feast. Graciously, they stopped by the CVS on the way to meet us and were able to find crutches for Jen. On our drive home, we were blessed with a spectacular sunset and a sky full of hot air balloons.

the whole gang

The following day (our 6th year wedding anniversary, if you can believe that!) we met Jen and her family at Jay's hospital. I helped Jay take pictures of her foot and ankle. After x-ray's we all enjoyed dinner together at a local restaurant. Although the x-rays appeared fine, we later found out she had in fact broken her big toe and tore ligaments from the bone. Jen has been hobbling around on a boot and crutches for several weeks, and more recently was finally able to get rid of the crutches and go back to driving. Continue to GET WELL SOON Jen and THANK YOU for helping plan such a wonderful day and toughing it so as to not miss anything! Everyone had a blast, except maybe for you.