Our First "Real" Trick-or-Treating

Our pumpkins all aglow

their loot

Josh said suckers were his favorite, they are also what he wants to give out when someone comes to the door

Noah showing off his candy, such a ham lately

Waiting for trick-or-treaters to come...the boys were so very excited to give out candy.  They ran to the door each time someone was there, unless they were still standing there waiting from the last group.

Addison wanted to watch for a bit with Josh

This was the first year we went trick-or-treating in the neighborhood.  In years past it seemed the weather wasn't agreeable and doing the Harvest Fest at church provided more than enough candy so without the boys asking to go - we never did.  This year they asked about it, a combination of some new books that had trick-or-treating and cartoons.  In any case, being on base I felt it was okay that we went for a little bit.  I told the boys we would do 4 circles and after 3 they were ready to come home.  They both got so excited each time someone was here to trick-or-treat, I'm glad they had fun giving away candy!  It was a nice evening, glad we went even though I wanted to be lazy and grumpy and not bother.  I think we are now a trick-or-treat going family because I'm pretty sure they'll remember each year, but it was so much fun for them (and I think I may have found another sitter - a neighbor we know uses on occasion who wants more jobs...score since there are 2 girls in the family who live a block over!)

Pumpkin Carving

We kind of got busy and almost ran out of time to carve our pumpkins from the pumpkin patch - but it turns out in this kind of heat it really is best to wait til just a couple days before Halloween, so I guess it worked out just fine!  Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy!

Mike let Noah help cut the top off, Josh didn't want a turn

A scary face - that's what Noah wants on his pumpkin

This is Josh's pumpkin with the face he chose

Noah with his scary face pumpkin

Addison checking out her pumpkin, a spider and web

Addison's pumpkin

Noah's pumpkin

Josh's pumpkin

Tuesday (Oct. 26) in San Diego

Josh full of joy and energy

can you tell the boys were tired of pictures?

Tuesday was our last day in San Diego and before we headed home, we stopped to check out the USS Midway - a Naval air craft carrier museum.  There were lots of planes and helicopters to look at and we got to go through  a lot of the ship's insides checking out the various rooms and hallways.  The boys really enjoyed climbing up all the ladders and stairs.  Poor Josh wanted to run, and running isn't a good option on a carrier so he had lots of reminders and hand holding...but I think he still had fun.  After checking out the Midway, we headed to Chick-fil-A for some lunch!  YUM!  A trip to San Diego doesn't seem complete without Chick-fil-A...what's up with living in 2 cities that don't have it?  Not fair ;-) so we all enjoyed it  Addison really seemed to enjoy her first taste of this goodness!  The drive home went well, with just a couple stops and instead of stopping on the way for dinner, we had pizza ordered and delivered to the house.  The timing couldn't have been more perfect, we pulled in and were unloading everyone when the boys started saying they were  hungry and wanted to eat and then the pizza guy was right there!  Perfect!
There are new links to the pictures, if you want to see more, on the side bar!

Monday (Oct. 25) in San Diego

Mike, Noah, Josh, and Addison at the Harbor after we had dinner at Anthony's

A group shot before we headed in the zoo!

Something the kids hadn't seen before in real life - Pandas!

No one really wanted this picture, can you tell?

So Monday it was going to be clear and sunny when we checked the weather on Friday before we left, but something changed it was cool and rainy.  Thankfully the down pour let enough to a light drizzle that we were still able to enjoy the zoo Monday morning.  It is also in Balboa Park and was super close to the hospital, which was nice.  We spent the morning exploring and checking out the animals.  The boys wanted to run and run, but lots of steep slopes and wet paths made that a bit harder to do, other than not getting to really run, I don't think anyone was disappointed.  Mike was smart enough to grab the umberella stroller before we left Vegas, so everyone had a seat if we needed or they wanted.  We enjoyed looking at the animals and it seemed the zoo was much more about putting you in the environment, but I missed the Omaha Zoo the whole time!  There were some neat animals of course, and it was fun getting to see the pandas, though I don't think Noah or Josh realized just how special it was to see pandas.  As we looked at the animals, we talked about whether they were herbovoires or carnivores - something we had talked the week before about in "school" and I was pleasantly surprised that the boys seem to get it! 
After the zoo we all headed to the van to load up and get to Addison's genetic appointment.  Mike kept the boys in the van while Addison and I went in to see the doctor.  Josh it turned out fell asleep quickly and Noah relaxed with a movie, so thankfully that went very smooth for them.  Addison's appointment went well.  I was impressed by the Naval hospital.  We were seen in a pediatric sub-speciality clinic and it really made me count our blessings, while hearing loss is something that Addison will deal with for the rest of her life, it's really not a "big" thing at all.  The staff was very caring, relaxed, and just seemed comfortable with all the patients, regardless of the challenges each patient may face.  It was really heart warming and it didn't hurt that they seemed efficient and on time!  We met with a genetic doctor who asked lots of questions about the pregnancy, family history, Addison's history and then did a close exam of Addison.  Her eyes were measured, toe nails and nails, head, feet, etc.  They also drew blood (yuck, that's not a fun ordeal and Addison is a fighter so it took 3 times and 3 adults before it was drawn) and did an EKG (mostly this is standard procedure).  The blood work will take 6 weeks, so really we won't know much until then but the doctor said she seemed in good health and was positive and upbeat.  Mike and I still aren't really concerned that there is genetically anything else going on or to worry about, but want to take the opportunities we have been given to be thorough and make sure we are prepared for her future as best we can be. 
After the appointment we headed back to the hotel for Addison to get a little nap, she was just exhausted from the fight she put up during the EKG and the blood draw.  The boys played their leapsters and soon we were all  headed back to the harbor for dinner, this time making it to Anthony's.  We followed up dinner with a nice walk checking out the sculptures along the pier. 

Sunday Adventures in San Diego

We got the chance to spend 3 fun days in San Diego mixing a little business in with our pleasure since Addison had a genetics appointment on Monday (which was the true reason for our visit).  I am a little late in the posting..we have been BUSY since we've been back.  I'm going to try and do a post on each day.
We drove in on Sunday and headed straight for the Fleet Science Center, which is in Balboa Park.  It was lots of fun, there were a lot of hands on exhibits but the boys of course had their favorites - much like their favorites at the Children's Museum in Omaha.  Josh loved the air blower and beach ball, Noah liked a ball wall where you got to turn a big dial and watch lots of gears.  There were some exhibits on aging, that didn't quite peak their interest.  Some 3D and illusion things proved a good time though and of course everything on space is always a hit.  They had these planks that you could build with, just plain, straight planks but the boys didn't take them like I thought they would.  Maybe when they are older.  Their favorite by far for all 3 of them was "Kid Town" the under 5 area that had another ball wall, a grocery store, computers with some games, music items, a fire truck and grocery carts.  After the Science Center we walked over to a park in Balboa Park (which is a  huge area with lots of things and museums, etc.)  It was a beautiful day and everyone enjoyed the sunshine and GREEN grass at the park.  After a good bit of playing at the park we headed downtown by the harbor to find dinner.  We hoped to go to Anthony's but it was super crowded, so we went to Little Italy and found a little pizza place.

Josh was making faces and being a ninja (maybe?) I just love his face!

Noah on the zip line at the park, he was scared at first, but then went back and wanted to do it! 

Sliding head first of course!

Mike and the boys playing

This is always a favorite of Josh's

Addison was so excited sitting in the car with Josh, he was focused on racing!

Addison seems to really love anything musical

Pizza time, it was good, greasy pizza ;-)

Addy enjoyed her slice too!